The Jobs Minister admits that some regions "need to do better" when it comes to employment growth.
Richard Bruton was speaking at the launch of the government's new Regional Action Plan for Jobs.
It will see €250 million spent over five years - with €150 million going to the IDA to develop infrastructure to attract companies to regions outside of the urban centres.
Minister Bruton says the plan will help regions which have lagged behind:
Speaking at today's launch of the Action Plan at Croke Part, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, "we have set ourselves two important jobs goals. When we came into office we said we would create 100,000 new jobs by 2016, and recently with the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs we have committed to returning to full employment by 2018."
"I am confident that by meeting our 2015 target of 40,000 new jobs that we will beat the 100,000 jobs target early and it will be a vital stepping stone to full employment," he added.
