1. Tom McEnroe Eures Adviser - Midlands Region Ireland

2. Ireland’s Demography (2007) Total Population 4.3 million Population Aged 15+3.7 million Labour Force2.223 million Unemployment Rate 20074.7% Unemployment Rate (Dec 2008)8.3% Unemployment Dec. 2009 9.2% + Forecast as high as 450,000 persons by end of 2009

3. Employment Growth 1998-2007

4. But the Irish economy is changing… Employment Growth 1996-2009

5. Economic Environment Several factors slowing economic growth - International Factors - Strong Euro - Credit Crunch - Collapse in the Housing Sector - Fall in Retail Sales - Consumer Confidence This has resulted in recent job losses in construction, transport, financial services, manufacturing, retail sales etc.

6. Employment Forecast by Sector Sector (000’s)200720082009 Agriculture116124 Construction282251202 Manufacturing296287278 Services1,4241,4531,435 Total Employment2,1172,1142,039 Unemployed101128183 Labour Force2,2172,2422,222 Net Immigration6318-30 Unemployment Rate4.5%5.7%8.2%

7. Unemployment Rising Rapidly

8. Activity Focus for 2009-2010  Information events for non Irish nationals recently unemployed to assist them return home or move on to another EEA country with employment.  Recruitment events for employers, both Irish and non Irish, with overseas vacancies in EEA and other locations.  Recruitment events for Irish employers with specific skills needs.  Information events in other EEA countries on Ireland, the Irish labour market and its needs.

9. Unemployed Persons Entitlements Job Seekers Allowance - UA (2 yrs resident) €204.30 Job Seekers Benefit - UB Rent Allowance Fuel Allowance Family Income Supplement Medical Card – doctor & medicines Free Optical & dental benefits Free Education - primary, secondary, 3 rd. level Access to FÁS www.fas.ie training courses & serviceswww.fas.ie Example :– Married Man (wife + 3 children ) €417.week + above