Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There has, in effect, been a significant turnaround in the nature of employment in Ireland. As we have seen in the past 15 years, long-term, sustainable economic growth and expansion in employment depend on a competitive and adaptable economy. For some time, the Government has recognised the inevitable changes taking place across world markets for both trade and investment. Enterprise policies that equip companies with the ability to better compete in world markets, capture the opportunities arising from globalisation and build competitive advantage in innovation and knowledge have been central to policy development and the impact of these policies is tangible.

The impact of globalisation on Ireland must be put in perspective. In the past eight years we have added over 523,000 people to our workforce, an unprecedented growth of 35%.

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