Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2018
129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the measures she continues to take to develop and improve the competitiveness of Irish goods and services on world markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17067/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s competitiveness has improved in recent years. In 2017, Ireland moved from seventh to sixth in the IMD (Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Yearbook. Most importantly, Ireland’s improved competitiveness is reflected in the labour market. The results from the Labour Force Survey in respect of Q4 2017 shows employment totalled 2,231,000, up 3.1% or 66,800 from the same quarter in 2016. Employment increased in twelve of fourteen economic sectors over the year.
While our competitiveness performance in recent years has been positive, Brexit brings into sharp focus the need for continued improvement in competitiveness. The immediate challenge for Ireland is to ensure growth is sustainable, enterprises are resilient and our economy is internationally competitive. As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, my objective is to create the best possible environment for enterprise, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment across all regions. Our enterprise policies are delivering but Brexit, international tax developments, US policy developments and technological advances present direct events that will have an impact on Ireland’s prospects.
Brexit has exposed how Irish export markets are geographically concentrated and the range of products and services exported has likewise become increasingly concentrated. Our Brexit response has seen further company-led expansion into markets and a deepening of trade links with the world’s leading and emerging economies. My Department through Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting exporters, particularly SMEs to intensify their efforts to scale and diversify sustainably and to enhance the competitiveness of Irish exports.
Through the implementation of Enterprise 2025 Renewed and the Action Plan for Jobs 2018 we have set out a range of short and long term measures to deepen resilience in Ireland’s enterprise and enhance the competitiveness of Irish exports.
