Job creation is the best way to reduce poverty – Byrne

“Job creation is the best way to lift people out of poverty”, says Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD Catherine Byrne. Deputy Byrne was speaking after CSO figures revealed that an extra 90,000 people are at work since the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs in 2012.

“The Quarterly National Household Survey released today by the CSO gives hope to young people and shows that the country is going in the right direction. 90,000 extra people are back at work since the launch of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. I commend Minister Richard Bruton for his commitment to reducing the u nemployment rate, which now stands at 10.4%, down from a high of 15.1% in February 2012.

“Job creation is about more than economic facts and figures. It’s about giving people back their independence and dignity and ensuring that communities can thrive once more. Job creation remains our top priority because it is the single best way to reduce poverty, and unemployment is the main source of inequality and unfairness in Irish society.

“The Government plans to create at least 40,000 new jobs in 2015; and achieve full employment by 2018. I want to stress that this Government is not forgetting the lower paid people in this country. Since coming to office this Government reversed the Fianna Fáil cut to the minimum wage and has also taken 410,000 low income earners out of the Universal Social Charge. We have reduced income tax on all workers and have a sustainable plan to continue reducing taxes in the coming years.

“Crucially, today’s figures show that long term unemployment also continues to decline. It now represents 57.8% of (shrinking) total unemployment, compared to 61.4% a year ago. In the past we have seen the devastating impact of long term unemployment on inner city Dublin. So while this is not as dramatic a reduction as we would like, it is going in the right direction.

“Ireland’s economic recovery is clearly growing stronger, thanks to the sacrifices and efforts of the Irish people. But that recovery is still incomplete and there is still more work to be done to secure it. Political stability is now crucial for this and the Government is determined to ensure that this country continues to move forward in growth and prosperity. This prosperity must be felt by all. I know that many people and families are not yet feeling it in their daily lives but a key priority for 2015 is to ensure that everyone starts to benefit through more jobs and improved income.”