Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Competitiveness Council.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

137 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself regarding the competitiveness of Irish products on world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25396/99]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

The National Competitiveness Council, established under Partnership 2000, provides detailed assessments on all aspects of our national competitiveness, including that of Irish products traded on world markets. Both the council's 1999 annual competitiveness report and its report on costs, published this summer, provide detailed analysis of our impressive trade performance in recent years. They also draw attention to the continuing need to diversify our market penetration, both in terms of country and sector, and the scope for an expansion in our trade in services. The NCC also identifies the opportunities and challenges brought about by EMU and emerging markets in Eastern Europe and south-east Asia.

On the basis that our rate of growth in exports is significantly faster than the rate of growth in world trade generally, I am satisfied that our products are competitive on world markets. We must ensure, if we are to maintain our competitiveness, that our costs remain under control and that we exploit all the advantages of a skilled labour force, allied with state of the art technology and communications.