Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is not a fair comparison to compare the 1980s with the present by any standard. It is not to compare like with like. Obviously, in a developing economy the productivity gains we have seen over the past ten to 15 years will, by definition, be more significant than those we can expect in the remaining period. Three issues account for this — investment in research and development I am absolutely convinced is essential for our competitiveness and increased productivity; greater investment in technology and innovation; and in terms of the skills agenda, the upskilling of the workforce. Today we launched the national skills strategy, which aims to upskill half a million workers between now and 2020. These are particularly important factors in ensuring a continued competitive performance by Ireland and, indeed, increased productivity. Another key factor is greater competition within the domestic economy. The Green Party opposed this in terms of the abolition of the groceries order, to cite one example. People keep talking about the need for competition within the domestic economy, but when it comes to taking on vested interests everybody runs away and finds excuses to oppose whatever liberalisation initiatives are being put forward at a particular time. Most of the reports that Deputy Eamon Ryan and indeed, Deputy Hogan, quote, keep pointing to the need for more competition in the domestic market and economy as a way of developing stronger productivity and growth. The FDI side is enjoying greater levels of productivity growth than the domestic side of the economy.

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