Taoiseach Enda Kenny, TD, at the announcement that Indeed, the world's leading job site, are to hire 300 staff in Dublin

The Government has announced a new strategy aimed at creating 221,300 jobs in the next five years.

The plan is to have the largest number of people working in the history of the State by 2020.

The strategy, which was launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton today, sets out key targets including achieving and retaining a top three competitiveness rating.

The Enterprise 2025 also sets out an aim of having unemployment in each region being within one percent of the State average.

Three key areas are signalled as needing particular attention:

Creating a step-change in the performance of our enterprises

Build a real and distinctive competitive edge and differentiate Ireland’s offering

Excel in creating a jobs-fit environment and getting the basics right.

Speaking at the launch Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: “Enterprise 2025 is a blueprint on how to rebuild a sustainable economy, sector by sector.

“It marks a definitive end to the boom and bust cycle embraced by previous Governments.”

He described yesterday when more than 1,300 new jobs were revealed as “an extraordinary day”.

Tánaiste Joan Burton said: “When Apple announced 1,000 new jobs for its Hollyhill campus in Cork yesterday, it gave a boost to an entire city.

“Because behind the numbers are real lives, real communities - and good jobs are central to people and communities thriving.”

Online Editors