Vol. 522 No. 2
36 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline his understanding of the key principles to ensure continued competitiveness and sustained economic developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17885/00]
203 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has examined this country's economic performance with a view to any corrective measures that might ensure our continued competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18476/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 203 together.
The National Competitiveness Council, established under the Partnership 2000 agreement to report on key competitiveness issues for the Irish economy, identified seven competitiveness priorities its annual competitiveness report 2000. These are social partnership, people, costs, infrastructure, telecommunications and e-business, competition and regulation and science and technology. I agree with this broad definition of our competitiveness needs.
These issues are addressed in the national development plan and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. Full implementation of the measures included in these documents is critical to sustaining the competitiveness which is essential to Ireland's continued economic progress.
