Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the total number of jobs lost in the services sectors in each of the past five years to date in 2024; the number of new jobs created in the same period; the degree to which a positive trend has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/24]
View answerMy Department compiles data on the enterprise development agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta). The breakdown requested is not available economy-wide. Table 1 shows total employment gains, losses and net change in the services sector for all agency client companies. In the years 2019-2023 inclusive there have been 146,080 job gains, 89,957 job losses and a net change in employment of +56,123. Total employment in the services sector for agency client firms was 249,695 in 2023. Data for 2024 is not yet available.
Table 1: Employment gains, losses, net change in services sector, agency client companies, 2019-2023
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Sum 2019-2023 |
|
|
Total Gains |
28,356 |
25,054 |
37,140 |
37,483 |
18,047 |
146,080 |
|
Total Losses |
-13,727 |
-21,036 |
-19,984 |
-16,417 |
-18,793 |
-89,957 |
|
Total Net Change |
14,629 |
4,018 |
17,156 |
21,066 |
-746 |
56,123 |
Source: DETE Annual Employment Survey
Employment in the services sector has grown strongly in recent years. There was a negative net change in employment in 2023 due to headcount reductions in the IT services sector. We expect the services sector to return to growth in the years ahead.
The growth in employment in recent years reflects the continuing success of Ireland’s enterprise policy in sustaining and expending employment. To ensure that this momentum is maintained, my Department published the White Paper on Enterprise in December 2022, which sets out Government`s enterprise policy for the period through to 2030. The White Paper on Enterprise details how we will deliver on our ambition of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced and sustainable economy made up of a diversified mix of leading global companies, internationally competitive Irish enterprises and thriving local businesses. In particular, it seeks to ensure the continued creation of rewarding jobs and livelihoods across Ireland.
