The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said today that 2024 marked a year of outstanding progress in the Irish labour market.
Recent Central Statistics Office figures show the country's unemployment rate stood at just 4.1% in November - signalling an economy which remains at full employment.
The unemployment rate in Ireland in the third quarter of this year stood at 4.3%, compared to 6.4% in the euro area and 6% in the EU.
The Minister said this marks a continuation of the positive trends observed in 2023, with employment numbers hitting new highs and labour force participation continuing to expand.
A total of 2,785,000 people are now employed in Ireland, with 96,800 jobs gained in the year to the third quarter.
Peter Burke said this record level of employment reflects both the resilience of the economy, and the success of government policies aimed at supporting job creation, fostering innovation and providing opportunities for all sectors.
"We are witnessing not only a record number of people in employment but also the growth of industries that are paving the way for a sustainable and dynamic future," Mr Burke said.
"It is vital that we continue to build on these successes, ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive and inclusive place for individuals to work, live, and prosper," he added.
Mr Burke said that 2024 saw "impressive" job creation across a diverse range of industries.
"ICT, pharmaceuticals, construction, and renewable energy have been particularly strong performers, with a noticeable uptick in demand for skilled professionals in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and sustainability," he noted.
He also said that the construction sector has also seen a rise in demand for tradespeople, engineers, and project managers, helping to address Ireland's housing and infrastructure challenges, while providing employment to thousands of workers.
The country's focus on skills development has also led to increased participation in upskilling and reskilling programmes, according to the Minister.
"The Government's ongoing investment in education and training, alongside partnerships with industry leaders, is empowering workers to transition into high-demand roles and secure long-term career growth," he added.
"Ireland is committed to supporting workers throughout their career journey and aims to promote diversity and inclusion within the workforce," Peter Burke said.
"Efforts to close gender and age employment gaps are seeing positive results, with more women and older workers entering an ever more diverse workforce and finding fulfilling career opportunities. Initiatives to improve work-life balance and flexible working arrangements have been key drivers of this progress," he stated.
