Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses. As I am due to speak in the Chamber, if I leave the meeting it is not through any lack of interest on my part, it is due to a requirement to be elsewhere. My question relates to progress on target 8.2, which is to “Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high value added and labour-intensive sectors”. This is one of the most important targets, particularly in the context of our somewhat volatile corporation tax receipts. Will Dr. Coates explain how expanded exporting among our domestic SMEs fits into target 8.2? The White Paper shows a focus on strengthening the Irish-owned export sector, particularly from the existing large cohort of non-exporting SMEs. The White Paper indicates that we should focus on expanding exporting among this cohort as it will help with the target, because it helps with economic diversification. Will Dr. Coates provide an update in that regard?