Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Based on the Minister's reply, I am not sure if he has seen this report. This is what it looks like. One would have expected him to acknowledge that there is a problem with our competitiveness. A number of issues go back to 2001 when the NCC briefed the Taoiseach and Tánaiste on Ireland's deteriorating competitive circumstances under a number of headings. I draw the Minister's attention to the conclusions and policy implications of the NCC, which is chaired by the eminent Dr. Don Thornhill. It suggests:

Ireland ranks among the most expensive of the locations surveyed for electricity,water . . . waste disposal, and key non-discretionary services, especially IT services, accountancy and legal fees. In terms of policy implications, this paper suggests that addressing the infrastructure needs of the Irish economy and tackling the high cost of services must be a key priority for the Government. In addition, property costs, both of construction and of rental, appear out of line with our competitors.

It states that "together with a risk of the decline in the value of the dollar against the euro, these challenges present a potential threat to jobs and growth in internationally trading sectors of the Irish economy, upon which we all depend", particularly manufacturing. That is an indictment of the cost of doing business in Ireland. I therefore ask the Minister to have another go at answering the question he was asked and to suggest the measures he will take to bring us more into line with the competition we face.

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