Some 1,200 new jobs are being created every week in the Irish economy by the private sector, new CSO statistics claim. The figures show that 22,500 new jobs have been added in the last three months.
The statistics were unveiled at the publication of the seventh Action Plan for Jobs quarterly programme review.
According to the report, the unemployment rate has decreased to 12.6pc and the long-term unemployment rate has decreased from 8.9pc to 7.6pc over the past year.
Out of 122 measures due for implementation during Q3 2013, 102 have been delivered, representing a completion rate of 84pc.
Among the measures were a new e-form for employment permits, more than 6,000 higher education places for those unemployed and previously self-employed, 1,650 ICT graduates via the Springboard programme, and the launch of two pilot programmes for big data.
In addition, the Government claims that waiting times for employment permits reduced by 27pc with further improvements expected in the fourth quarter.
“I am confident that the implementation of the Action Plan for Jobs has contributed to Ireland’s rising reputation as a location for enterprise and investment,” Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, said.
“Over 1,000 new jobs are being created every week and there are positive signs that business confidence is rising. There is still much more we have to do before we can claim that Ireland is the best small country in the world for business.”
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, TD, said that two years ago the economy was shedding more than 1,600 jobs a week.
“Today’s figures show that we are now adding more than 1,200 jobs per week. All sectors and all areas of the country are benefiting from the positive movement, and we are seeing substantial decreases in both the overall unemployment rate and the long-term rate. While many people are not yet feeling the impact of these changes and we have a long way to go, this is really positive movement in this crucial area.”
