Seán Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is concerned with the word "competitiveness". We have had problems with competitiveness, as regards the domestic market, particularly with the fall in demand. We have also had problems in relation to ordinary manufacturing on the domestic front, outside the foreign-owned multinationals, pharmaceuticals, ICT companies, etc. Overall, exports only fell by 2.5% in comparison with global trade down by 12.5% but unfortunately, there was a bigger reduction in the indigenous type of industries where we need to improve. That can only be improved by Ireland being more competitive, with lower labour costs, greater efficiencies and lower prices all around.

I want to focus in particular on the cost of professional fees. These are the fees of accountants------

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