Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the meeting and apologise for not being here earlier. Interspersed with what we are discussing is the issue of our competitiveness. I heard an economist say recently that the biggest challenge facing Ireland is its competitiveness. What is the Minister's perspective on our competitiveness in a European and a world context and on the way in which Brexit will impact on that? I want to link that in with a comment the Minister made in his opening statement, namely: "In addition, the departure of the UK will cause both short and long-term practical challenges for the MFF." What is the Minister's overall perspective on where he see us in terms of our competitiveness? It tends to get lost in the ether, yet it is very important.