Measures all dressed up with nowhere to go

SO what did yesterday’s action plan contain that can help slow the growing dole queues and potentially lead to long-term job creation?

There was some recycling of initiatives, such as PRSI relief for employers, R&D credits for firms and the continued pledge to drive down commercial rates for businesses. Proposals on stamp duty relief, a pledge to reduce rents for businesses and the use of €250m in pension reserve funds to create jobs have already been flagged too.

However, the Government has committed to following through on the sector by sector targets set out. Health and life sciences will become a focus with the creation of a health innovation hub which will connect commercial companies and the health system. Ministers also want Ireland to become a global centre of excellence for the medical device industry and to attract further investment in the bio-pharmaceutical sector.