Vol. 529 No. 4
108 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that Irish industry is modernising to the extent necessary to offset increased competition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3211/01]
Government enterprise policy, as well as key policy instruments such as the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness or PPF, are concerned to keep our economy competitive in a global context which is experiencing continuous, exponential change. In order to do so Irish industry must show willingness to modernise, adapt and to ascend the value chain. The policy focus lays particular emphasis on strengthening our main enterprise sectors, in particular, small businesses; on developing the services sector by encouraging investment in new technologies and in research and development projects with commercial opportunities; and on providing constant skills upgrading, life-long learning and by addressing labour shortages. Recent Irish economic performance, including our standing in world league competitiveness tables, clearly signals that our industry overall is modernising and adapting. We cannot, however, be complacent. There will be casualties who fail to see the signs. We must continue to deploy our policy instruments so as to minimise the casualties and provide support for progressive businesses to prosper.
