John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a dedicated unit in Enterprise Ireland, the potential exporter division, that has responsibility for responding to the development or needs of companies promoting the export agenda and proactively promoting a range of services.

The survey acknowledges the sector has made a rapid and dramatic transition from unsustainable boom to bust and it is currently operating at a sub-optimal level. The sector employs 101,000 people directly, which is 5.5% of local employment, with an output of 6.4% of GNP. At the peak of the bubble in 2006, over 200,000 were employed in the sector, accounting for 12% of the workforce. There is a big difference between developers and construction companies. We are fortunate that we have some fine construction companies and while Britain continues to be key export market for construction sector clients, Enterprise Ireland is focusing on a number of key areas, target markets and regions for further growth.

Finally, the 30 actions will go to Government and no doubt a number of Departments will be involved in their delivery. Enterprise Ireland is doing a great job with the construction companies building all over the world and employing Irish people. This sector went through meltdown but it still accounts for 6% of GNP and we want to get it back on its feet. Currently, it employs 101,000.

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