Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The action plan for jobs 2012 which was published on 13 February includes an extensive range of measures across government that will help to reduce costs for businesses and support job creation, including in each of the areas identified by the Deputy. For example, the majority of local authorities have reduced or frozen their annual rates of valuation at 2011 levels, NAMA is taking action to place downward pressure on rents in its property portfolio, a series of actions is aimed at reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency for enterprises and downward pressure will be put on insurance costs through the enactment of the legal services Bill.

In my area of responsibility I have taken a number of specific actions that are directly aimed at improving the competitiveness of enterprises. These include the reform of the joint labour committee-registered employment agreement system which is before the House. A number of initiatives are being implemented or being progressed to improve access to finance. My Department has reduced business burdens within its areas of responsibility by more than 24%, which will yield potential savings of €206 million per annum for business. Tangible progress is also being made in the reform of the State's employment rights and industrial relations structures, which will result in a more cost effective and swifter service for workers and employers. The implementation of all of these measures will help to improve our international competitiveness further.

The Government's progress in improving Ireland's competitiveness is reflected in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook rankings which were published last week. Ireland has reversed the downward trend of recent years and improved four places in the rankings to 20th overall and eighth out of the 24 EU countries benchmarked. Of course, there are still many issues to be addressed and the Government will continue to focus on these through the action plan for jobs process.

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