Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2018
170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which her office engages with stakeholders in the manufacturing and services sectors with a view to improving competitiveness, identifying likely obstacles and the utilisation of modern methods to promote trade and Irish manufactured goods north or south of the border; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6356/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCompetitiveness is key to success in international markets, jobs growth and as a means of achieving sustainable improvements in living standards. Improving competitiveness performance is a core focus of the work of the Government, and as part of this work my Department, its agencies and the National Competitiveness Council are continually engaged with relevant stakeholders on the particular policy needs required to support competitiveness. The National Competitiveness Council, an independent advisory body, tasked with reporting through me to the Taoiseach and the Government on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy, is composed, amongst others, of business representatives’ bodies and companies from the manufacturing and services sectors.
In its 2017 Competitiveness Challenge Report, the Council has identified a range of threats to Ireland’s competitiveness, including the potential impact of Brexit, our cost base, the shortage and cost of residential property, the concentration of our export markets and the range of products and services exported. I share the Council’s view that Ireland must address barriers to investment and growth, drive productivity performance and be responsive to competitiveness challenges and opportunities that are emerging.
A more diverse export base can reduce exposure to external demand shocks, exchange rate fluctuations and instability in export earnings and enhance growth and jobs. Irish-based exporters, particularly in exposed sectors such as traditional manufacturing and agrifood, must continue to be supported to scale and diversify sustainably and strategically to reduce the market exposure which Brexit has highlighted. Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting firms develop new products, services for new and existing markets. A range of supports and programmes for Product, Process or Services Development are available for established SMEs in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.
My Department is also working on developing markets beyond Ireland’s traditional trading partners by doubling the number of trade missions and placing extra staff in overseas markets. Consistent, sustained in-market presence by IDA Ireland is necessary to take advantage of emerging FDI growth opportunities across the globe.
Following extensive engagement with Irish SMEs, we have developed the Brexit Loan Scheme which will be launched at the end of March 2018. The scheme will provide short-term credit to businesses coping with working capital challenges. Officials in my Department are exploring the development of a longer-term Development Loan Scheme which would assist firms in long-term investing for a post-Brexit environment and increase their competitiveness.
To future proof the competitiveness of our economy, policy must support Ireland moving to the forefront of digital and innovative activity. Irish business must therefore make greater use of the opportunities offered by online commerce, including cross-border trade. In this regard, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme administered by the Local Enterprise Offices assists small businesses to trade online by developing their e-commerce capability.
