Minister Micheál Martin welcomes employment increase of almost 90,000

Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, today (Wednesday 31^st May 2006) welcomed CSO figures which show an employment increase of almost 90,000 or 4.7%, in the first quarter of 2006. This compares with an annual increase of 3.9% in the first quarter of 2005. For the first time, the total number in the labour force now stands at 2.086 million.

Commenting on the figures, the Minister said: 'The employment growth figures alone provide a robust endorsement of the Government's pro-jobs policies. Overall, Ireland's unemployment rate now stands at only 4.4%, one of lowest in the EU. The figures from the latest QNHS are marked proof of the effectiveness of Government policies in the areas of employment and the labour market. Our recent economic success has been remarkable. The so-called “jobless growth” of the early 1990s has long since been replaced by consistent employment creation”.

The figures show, in addition, a strong regional performance with employment in the Border, Midlands and West increasing by 4.5% per cent giving employment to an additional 22,000 people. Moreover, we have seen employment increase in most sectors of the economy with financial and business services showing strong growth. I am also pleased to note the increase in those in the workforce with a third level qualification. These stand at one third of the total workforce or 649,200 people, an increase of over 2% on this time last year”, the Minister said.

'The Irish economy continues to perform remarkably well and conditions remain favourable for a healthy labour market performance over the remainder of this year and the period ahead. It is important, however, that a firm focus must continue to be fixed on maintaining and promoting competitiveness in order for positive trends in labour market performance to continue,” concluded Minister Martin.

ENDS

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