European Commissioner welcomes govt jobs initiative

European Employment Commissioner Lázló Andor has said that the Government's jobs initiative

"includes many good ideas to get people into work" and should be built on further.

Speaking in Dublin today, Commissioner Andor also pointed out that Ireland is the second fastest spender of the European Social Fund and is on target to draw down €375m for measures supporting labour activation and getting people into the labour market.

Over the last two years, Ireland has submitted six applications for the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for over €60m destined for training and job-search assistance for nearly 10 000 workers, he added.

"Ireland has influence because it engages", he said. "That is how to get results in Europe. The effort that Ireland has put in over the years, with Europe's help, on infrastructure, education and innovation will now pay off in getting through this very painful crisis."

During his trip to Dublin the commissioner visited the city's "Digital Skills Academy", had talks with government ministers and spoke to the Institute of International and European Affairs on "Unemployment, Job Creation and the EU".