As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government sets out a strong enterprise and fiscal framework that prioritises economic and employment growth and competitiveness, with a target to support the creation of 300,000 extra jobs by 2030. I am pleased to report that, one year on, the Irish labour market continues to record sustained employment growth, rising labour force participation and record job numbers last year, indicative of a resilient performance. In total, over 2.8 million people are now employed in Ireland with employment up 61,500 on average in the first nine months of last year. While this is a record level of employment, it is the case that the pace of job creation slowed as the year progressed. The overall robust employment performance reflects both the inherent dynamism within the economy and the success of Government policies aimed at supporting job creation, fostering innovation and providing opportunities for all sectors. Ireland’s labour market performance also compares very favourably with our European counterparts. In respect of the regions, this is something we have watched very closely. It is important to stress that the labour market here is very open and dynamic, with strong increases in labour supply. Furthermore, the prevalence of remote working and commuting patterns complicate comparisons across regions. Nonetheless, over the past year we have seen some increases in regional unemployment rates, notably in the mid-west and Border areas, where the unemployment rates averaged 5.2% and 4.8%, respectively, over the first three quarters of 2025. Furthermore, the increases over the year in these areas were above the national average. At the same time, some areas saw a decline in unemployment, with the south-west region’s unemployment rate averaging 3.8%, well ahead of the national average, and the employment rate in the west averaging 5% over the first three quarters of 2025. Balanced regional development is a Government priority under my Department.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I acknowledge the significant buoyancy within our labour market. On the Deputy’s earlier point, it is not a matter of a song and dance; it is actual fact that we are very much creating balanced regional growth. That is evident from the high employment and rising participation rates right across the country. With 2.82 million people at work, a record level, we continue to implement good, sound Government policy. With regard to our regions, we have an open and highly mobile workforce. Remote working has certainly enhanced the attractiveness of working within the regions, with the activity in this regard very much related to urban companies. We will have the next iterations of the nine regional enterprise plans. These are bottom up and will be led by local stakeholders, focusing on key sectors. We will also ensure labour market resilience. The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, which will complement the successor to Pathways to Work, contains targeted activation measures to ensure that we will have the necessary skills and participation, and that we will remove any barriers that exist for those within our regions.

Sentiment score: 0.28

We are doubling down on skills development. Very much part of that is the fact that we are working with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on apprenticeships and training courses, expanding many of the skills within Springboard and Skillnet and working on digital and green skills. The results of IDA Ireland’s most recent report show there were over 183 investments, 57% of which were regionally based. That demonstrates how important it is to ensure we have the jobs outside our main cities. The facts do not lie. This comes on the back of our upskilling of many people, including students, right across the country. We have a commitment concerning over 33,000 employees, with a focus on the retention of skills. Also, we are investing in regions, and that is through IDA Ireland’s Adapt Intelligently programme. We even see that a new advanced manufacturing facility is being progressed in County Mayo, in Castlebar, and the securing of a new land bank is being considered.

Sentiment score: 0.25