Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

That was a response to a recommendation by the National Competitiveness Council, so action is being taken on foot of such recommendations.

Last year, we had the highest number of small business start-ups within the European Union. I have established a small business forum to prepare for the next decade on issues that we must address to maintain competitiveness. According to the report by the National Competitiveness Council we score highly in maintaining a generally good environment for entrepreneurial activity. I wish to continue in that direction and we will not be complacent on the issue.

We have made significant gains in research and development due to programmes I initiated as Minister for Education and Science, in addition to the science foundation programme the Tánaiste initiated. That has transformed research here.

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