m a n i f e s t o
Both the multinational sector and indigenous exporters are winning increased market share abroad. Many export businesses, in sectors ranging from agri-food and agriculture to computer software, healthcare and financial services, will create new jobs this year and next year to meet rising demand. Irish operations of multinational companies are successfully competing for new investment in this country: Last year was the best year since 2006 for new foreign direct investment into Ireland. The success of our export sectors is proof that Fianna Fáil’s policies to return the economy to export-led growth are working. • • • •
we must continue to drive down the cost of doing business; we must continue to invest in education and skills; public investment in key infrastructure projects must be maintained; and we must continue to encourage businesses to innovate to compete.
Export growth will in turn boost consumer spending and investment. This will create new jobs in hard-hit sectors such as retailing, hospitality and construction. The new minimum wage and the reform of employment agreements are crucial to the revival of these key jobs-rich sectors of the economy. Our National Recovery Plan shows in detail how we will deliver on these promises and grow employment. We have protected investment in employment by increasing the budget allocations for the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise capital expenditure will rise from 10.8% to 15.9% over the period of the Plan. This investment will support job creation in world class, export oriented enterprises. Infrastructural investment has been focussed on employment rich projects such as the national retrofit programme and in water services which will provide employment in the construction sector.
8