The Annual Competitiveness Report 2002 surveys the competitive position of the Irish economy on the international stage. The report examines a range of competitiveness issues, presenting a picture of the unfolding competitive position across the economy. It establishes that Ireland has improved its ranking in 24 indicators, disimproved in 29 and remained constant in a further 14. The report confirms many of Ireland's strengths while the Challenge document highlights the key challenges we face as well as recommendations for addressing them. The National Competitiveness Council highlighted, in particular, three broad areas of concern to national competitiveness. These are the rapid rise in non-employment costs and consumer prices; employment costs, productivity and social partnership – the rapid rise in wage costs in recent years; and the infrastructure deficit across the country and the costs resulting from this.