Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is important to secure agreement on the issue of value versus volume because the former is a better index. While figures can always be used in different ways, I would prefer a lower volume of much higher value goods in the technological and pharmaceutical areas than a high volume of low value exports. It was somewhat unusual for the ESRI to focus on the volume aspect of the equation because it is the norm and also the common sense approach to continue to work on the high value side.

Notwithstanding that argument, the enterprise strategy group report which we are implementing, particularly in re-organising and restructuring Enterprise Ireland, has pointed in the direction of enhancing our skills in sales and marketing and internationalisation. Enterprise Ireland views this as a significant agenda item and is re-organising its footprint across the world vis-À-vis location and so forth, with a view to ensuring we have available to us the best skills and are best placed in the emerging markets to assist Irish companies to access these markets. The results achieved by Enterprise Ireland since the new strategic vision was announced last year have been very encouraging in terms of securing greater volume and value of sales overseas for its client companies.

Research and development is critical on the food side. Given the strong link between the marketplace and innovation and research and development, we want research and development to be informed by the needs of the market. In the past year, considerable work has been undertaken with Enterprise Ireland and the food industry in re-investing in and assisting research and development capacity in companies such as Dairygold, Glanbia, Kepak and, most recently, Dawn Farm Foods, all of which are moving into the higher value area of nutriceuticals, health enhancing foods and so forth, which have significant growth potential. Software is another significant area. I agree with the Deputy that we must consistently examine our approach to ensure we can continue to increase market share.

It is a pity we did not have a calmer debate on the services directive as it would have allowed us to discuss the wider trade implications of the directive for Ireland in terms of access to European Union countries, particularly on the services front. Many of our indigenous services could also benefit from the removal of some of the ridiculous barriers to access in place in several other EU countries. In any event, the debate has concluded. Nevertheless, this discussion highlights that on a calm day such as this the House can debate——

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