The Small Firms Association estimates that 8,875 new jobs will be created by the sector this year, around 1,000 more than anticipated this time last year, and (looking at the graph for the last 13 years) returning sentiment on growth to somewhat "normal" levels. There is also a noticeable swing in the graph upwards from last years expectations.
Skill shortages are still highlighted as a problem, with 66% of expansion plans being affected by recruitment problems.
57% of companies said it they were more likely to expand business in 2008, however 66% of expansion plans were being hindered by recruitment difficulties. Overall, 44% of companies have vacancies with 71% of companies experiencing difficulties filling them.
The full release is at: http://www.sfa.ie/Sectors/SFA/SFADoclib4.nsf/wvPressReleasesCurrent/E3902F85E6DAFD0380257439002FE83A?OpenDocument