Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our exports grew by 5% in 2012, which was approximately twice the world average. Clearly, we are doing well on that front but we need to have an honest discussion about what needs to be done going forward. What are the main challenges facing Ireland's cost base as an exporting country? Has EI identified skills or capacity gaps in the context of exporting? If so, what needs to be done to address them? We have heard about them from employers in the context of FDI and locating in Ireland.