Resource summary
Jobs Initiative
The Minister of Finance Michael Noonan announced a 'Jobs Initiative' in the Dáil on Tuesday 10 May 2011 aimed at creating 100,000 jobs over the next four years.
The government originally promised a 'Jobs Budget' in its election campaign, but later changed the name to prevent people expecting a conventional end of year Budget. Instead, it was a series of measures aimed at building morale and economic confidence and stimulating growth, jobs and opportunities.
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has warned that the initiative will not solve the country's unemployment problems overnight as the government does not have the resources for a 'huge Keynesian initiative'. Under the terms of the EU/IMF deal, it will have to be fiscally neutral by 2014 meaning that any new spending will be offset by further cuts or taxes.
Action Plan for Jobs
On 24 November 2011, the government committed to deliver a multi-annual Action Plan for Jobs, with quarterly targets for delivery every year and a monitoring group to oversee implementation. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has promised the creation of 100,000 jobs by 2016 and a further 100,000 by 2020.
The first plan, published on 13 February 2012, contains more than 270 actions to be implemented in 2012 by all 15 Government Departments as well as 36 State agencies. It will improve supports for job creating businesses and remove barriers to employment creation across the economy.