Confidence has returned to the Irish jobs market. No one could say that the current level of unemployment is satisfactory. Nor can we feel complacent about the brain drain that Ireland has suffered over the past five years in particular through emigration. But unemployment is currently at a five year low and in general, the economic signs are positive. We are, it is firmly to be hoped, on an upward arc that will see a huge improvement in the prospects of the majority of Irish people – and especially young people.