Ireland's enterprise, trade and innovation minister has predicted state-supported agencies will generate almost 30,000 additional employment opportunities during 2011.

Batt O'Keeffe stated organizations such as Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are expected to boost their workforces in order to stimulate economic growth.

He explained the latter body is predicted to provide between 9,800 direct posts over the coming 12 months, in addition to 6,800 indirect positions as a result of attracting foreign direct investment into the country.

According to Mr O'Keeffe, Enterprise Ireland has been given a goal of generating 6,300 direct and 4,400 indirect jobs in 2011, with a target established for it to assist 1,200 businesses in the country in enhancing their research and development activities.

"These jobs, backed by government investment, will be sustainable and high-quality, underpinning our return to economic growth and driving fresh levels of innovation across the whole economy," he declared.

Recent data from Ireland's Central Statistics Office revealed the unemployment rate dropped by 0.1 percentage points to 13.5 per cent over the month to November 2010.

Posted by Alex Donnell