Vol. 480 No. 2
41 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise and Employment the nature of the consultation, if any, with the exposed sectors of the economy which she proposes regarding the potential problems faced by them; and the sort of policy responses, if any, she proposes to deal with their concerns. [13735/97]
The Government is committed to full consultation with the exposed sectors of the economy on potential problems faced by them. This is vital given the rapid pace of change, particularly with increased global competition impacting on exposed sectors. I will soon consult representatives of the exposed sectors and I intend to develop appropriate policy responses.
Has the Minister a view on the type of policy responses that might be appropriate, particularly arising from the concerns of this sector about EMU membership? Has she considered whether a policy would be appropriate or feasible in this area?
It is important, as the Deputy recognises, for Irish companies to be competitive whether they are small, medium or large. In the global economy this is vital if they are to succeed or survive. In my first day in office I was delighted to meet the National Competitiveness Council which Deputy Bruton established and I compliment him on its make-up. I could not think of anybody better than Brian Patterson to chair it. If Irish companies are to be competitive a number of matters have to examined. They must be innovative, examine their cost base and examine product development. The council will play a valuable role enhancing the strengths of the economy which have brought such high levels of growth and drawing attention to any weaknesses that exist with a view to our remedying them.
There are other matters involved and I wish to consult as many representative bodies as possible. I intend to be a Minster with an ear for those who work in exposed sectors. That is extremely important. There is a need to examine our tax system and there is a commitment in the programme for Government to do that. There is also a need to examine our regulatory procedures, level of bureaucracy and other matters which often hinder enterprise and the development of an enterprise culture. There are many aspects to my consultation and many of them come within the remit of other Ministers.
However, we are determined in so far as it is possible to introduce appropriate policy responses to ensure the exposed sector of our economy is as protected as possible. Through these responses and legislation, we will bear in mind the impact on competition and employment, particularly in relation to tax matters.
