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80 out of 83 measures scheduled in the Action Plan for Jobs to be delivered in the first quarter of 2012 have been implemented, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation announced today.

The measures delivered to date include:

• Launch of the “Succeed in Ireland” initiative, aimed at delivering at least 5,000 jobs in five years
• Launch of a new Potential Exporters Division in Enterprise Ireland, targeting 1,800 new exporting companies
• Appointment of an operator and publication of legislation for the €150million Partial Credit Guarantee Scheme
• Design and launch of the new €150million Development Capital Scheme, aimed at addressing a funding gap for mid-sized, high-growth companies
• Issue of a global second call under Innovation Fund Ireland worth more than €60million, to target investment in high-growth technology companies
• Allocation of €20 million to a new Education and Training Fund
• Extension and simplification of the employer PRSI exemption scheme
• Enactment of the Finance Bill, giving effect to several pro-jobs measures
• Launch and advertising of a new round of the Sports Capital Programme with a €30 million fund
• Creation of a Register of Advocates for new FDI in Ireland from among the diaspora – 130 Advocates included

Making the announcement today, the Taoiseach said:

“On the day the Action Plan was launched I said that I would ensure that Government works hard to deliver on its ambition.  We have focussed on implementation from day one, and will continue to do so … This is just the first step in an annual plan to help rebuild our economy”. 

The Tánaiste said:

“Economic Recovery is the core objective of this Government. We are working hard, and we are working to a plan.

There is no magic bullet – what we have to do is keep our focus on the task at hand, and do the hard work, day by day. We have a clear plan, and a vision of what we want to achieve, but we get there by grinding out the hard work of reform and change”.

Minister Bruton added:

 “Today’s announcement shows that we are making solid progress, and have already implemented a number of measures which will make a practical difference in making it easier for businesses to grow and create jobs”.

Watch the MerrionStreet.ie interview with Minister Bruton at the launch below...