100,000 extra people at work is the proof in the pudding of Fine Gael pro-enterprise policies – Burke

100,000 more jobs delivered in the last year is testament to Fine Gael’s pro-enterprise policy, according to a Fine Gael Minister.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, has today said that confidence can be drawn from the employment figures from the Central Statistic’s Office (CSO), and is a nod of certainty in terms of what can be achieved by the party re-elected.

“It is hugely encouraging to see increases across almost all sectors of the economy. Since Fine Gael first entered into Government, we have seen over 900,000 more people working, representing an increase of almost 50pc.

“Our plan in Fine Gael is to build on this sizeable progress by adding a further 300,000 jobs to the economy and breaking the record of 3 million jobs if re-elected.

“The impact of Fine Gael Enterprise policies across the regions of Ireland are clear to see. This level of employment growth is reflected right across the country with the majority of job growth coming from the regions, outside of Dublin.  There was a particularly strong growth performance in the Mid-West, which single-handedly accounts for more than 20pc of the total growth.

“Particularly welcome is the decline of almost one in five in the number of long-term unemployed which has now dropped to 0.9pc.

“This strong employment growth can be attributed to the enterprise and ambition of Irish industry, underpinned by Fine Gael initiatives such as the Increased Cost of Business Grants, the streamlining and simplification of government supports and the constant support for and endorsement of agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and the IDA. 

“There is no space for complacency.  This progress is the result of mammoth effort from business and workers alike, as well as sensible policy decisions. It is now important that we sustain this, and continue on this growth trajectory.

“With these figures, I am more confident than ever that if returned to Government, Fine Gael will deliver on 300,000 new jobs over the next five years.” Minister Burke concluded.