Enterprise Ireland today published their end of year statement for 2012, reporting that last year saw the highest employment gain since 2006.
Irish exporting companies increased employment by 3,804 in 2012, the highest net gain since 2006. This was due primarily to the strong export performance of Enterprise Ireland client companies. Despite a continued challenging economic environment in 2012 Enterprise Ireland supported companies crucially added to their employment base and now support more than 300,000 jobs in the Irish economy (15% of total workforce).
The announcement was made today by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton and Enterprise Ireland CEO Frank Ryan.
Total direct employment (full and part time) in Enterprise Ireland client companies stood at 172,473 in 2012. Of these, 146,908 are full-time jobs, while 25,565 are part-time jobs. In addition, new job commitments made by Enterprise Ireland clients in 2012 were over 7,000 exceeding the target of 6,250 for the year.
This year saw the largest ever investment in Research and Development from an Irish company, when the Kerry Group announced plans to establish a Global Food Innovation Centre of Excellence in Naas, Co Kildare with 900 jobs.
Minister Bruton said :
Enterprise Ireland clients are to be commended on a fantastic result for 2012. I am determined through my Department to continue to drive the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and support an indigenous engine of economic growth. This is central to my plan for revitalising the economy. Enterprise Ireland, and the various supports it provides to domestic businesses, particularly in the exporting sector, will be a key part to this.
Despite these very difficult times, to have highest net gains in employment in the companies it supports, is a commendable performance. I congratulate Frank, his team, and above all the businesses on this record. Although 2013 will be another difficult year, this Government is determined to continually improve our supports to domestic job-creating businesses through improvements in access to finance and reductions in costs. With the right supports I am confident that these businesses can build on this year’s performance and get more people back to work.
Read the full press release on the Enterprise Ireland website here.