Ms Nicola Byrne:

Creating more indigenous industry is an absolute must. It is probably one of the most relevant points. We are completely dependent on foreign-owned exporting businesses in Ireland. We need to focus on our tech services and on all the exports where goods are not traditionally shipped over land. We need to focus on the non-physical stuff that is just as important for export. Education also comes under that bracket. In order to create more indigenous industries we have to stop thinking about tangible products moving across land or sea, we need to start talking about broadband infrastructure and we have to start skilling up in those areas. It will become more specific as we take in more talent.

On my way in today I was thinking the one attribute Ireland has - most people think it is a failing - is that we are nimble and open to change. We have always been open to change. It is really important for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to see that we can be really nimble and adapt our exports. To date we have followed a traditional route, but we are a different Ireland. It is a different Europe now and we have the ability to say to the rest of the world, "We are nimble. We are open. Come here. Look how brilliant we are." We have one of the most flexible workforces with the least amount of regulation and the greatest productivity. We have a huge amount to bring to bear on that.