Foreword

In the face of one of the biggest banking crises and deepest economic slumps of any country during the global financial crisis, Irish unemployment more than trebled in the five years to mid- 2012, peaking at 15.1%.

The Irish government has taken resolute action to address the challenge, launching the Action Plan for Jobs (APJ) initiative in early 2012 with the aim of creating the conditions to support private sector-led, export-oriented economic growth and job creation. The third annual APJ was published in March 2014, building on and drawing lessons from its predecessors.

The APJ’s most striking innovation in the Irish public policy context is a coordination mechanism that ensures high-level political buy-in and oversight, whole-of-government engagement and the establishment of quarterly targets underpinned by a robust monitoring system. These are important steps towards addressing long-standing gaps that undermine successful policy implementation.

Ireland’s labour market bounced back strongly in 2013, positive momentum having continued into 2014. Ireland is well on track to achieve the interim APJ target of 100,000 new jobs by 2016, while the longer-term aim of having 2.1 million employed people by 2020 also looks firmly within grasp.

While Irish policymakers can take some satisfaction in the economy’s return to growth and recent robust job growth, significant challenges lie ahead if the country is to rapidly bring down the unemployment rate. As the economic recovery gains traction, getting people back to work, stemming the flow of economic emigrants and regaining market share for the country’s exports will in turn support domestic demand and a virtuous circle of economic revitalization and more inclusion growth in the years to come.

Drawing on the expertise and experience of OECD member countries, this preliminary review examines key aspects of the Action Plan for Jobs and highlights some key policy priorities to boost job creation. We look forward to supporting Ireland on the challenging road back to full employment as it enters a new, more robust phase of economic and social development.

Angel Gurría Secretary-General, OECD