Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2013
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which he is satisfied of the ability of industry here to continue to compete with the competition in domestic and export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24785/13]
View answerIreland is already rated highly internationally as one of the best countries in the world in which to do business, and we have built a strong competitive basis on which to compete on global markets. For example, Ireland has moved up four places to 20th place in the IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook 2012 and is also ranked 15th in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2012 Report.
There are a number of key areas where Ireland tops global competitiveness rankings, including:
- business impact of rules on foreign direct investment;
- inflation;
- FDI and technology transfer;
- availability of skilled labour;
- flexibility and adaptability of the labour force; and
- investment incentives.
Overall, exports of goods and services from Ireland are now well above pre-crisis levels. The value of exports increased by 5% and reached €173 billion in 2011. A further 5.5% increase in 2012 saw a new record for Irish exports of €182 billion. We still have one of the most open and flexible economies in the world and continue to have one of the world’s most highly skilled, highly educated and productive workforces.
We are making progress on the jobs front through the Action Plan for Jobs process, which is systematically transforming the operating environment for business, improving our competitiveness and supporting companies in increasing employment. We will continue this transformation in order to achieve our aim of making Ireland the best small country in which to do business.
