merrion street

• Employment in the third quarter of 2016 was up 0.7% equating to an additional 13,500 jobs relative to the previous quarter.
• In annual terms, numbers in employment are up by 57,500 (2.9%)
• The level of employment is now at highest level since Q4 2008 with some 194,000 jobs created since the low point of the crisis.
• Unemployment continues to fall - the rate in the third quarter was 7.9% - this is the lowest rate since Q3 2008.
• This new QNHS benchmark available today results in a downward revision of the unemployment rate and leaves the end-October rate of unemployment at 7.5%

Today’s Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) released by the CSO shows that the Irish economy continues to generate significant jobs growth and that the Action Plan for Jobs continues to have a positive effect. Welcoming the figures, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. said:
“The data released today show that the numbers at work continue to grow and that the level of employment remains above 2 million mark for the second quarter in a row. We have now seen 16 consecutive quarters of employment growth. Crucially, this growth remains broad-based, with 12 of the 14 sectors reported by the CSO registering annual growth. A robust economy supporting people at work is a pre-requisite to pay for the services needed to create and maintain a fair society."
"Continued robust performance of Ireland’s economy is born out in the fact that 57,500 more people have found work in the year to end-September with some 194,000 jobs created since the low-point of the crisis.
“The Programme for a Partnership Government reaffirmed the Action Plan for Jobs as the best method to consult with all stakeholders and progress the best ideas on job creation across Government. The Government’s commitment remains to help create 200,000 new jobs by 2020, including 135,000 outside of Dublin. Supporting a balanced recovery across all regions and all sectors will help workers and their families feel the benefits of recovery.”