Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a slightly different question from the one the Deputy asked. The position in regard to competitiveness generally is one where we have seen a very significant improvement in recent years. Ireland's international competitiveness rankings have improved from 24th to 15th in the IMD's world competitiveness yearbook report and from 29th to 25th in the WEF global competitiveness report. If one looks at the harmonised index of competitiveness, which is tracked by the Central Bank, we have shown significant improvements in our cost position and that is reflected by the surveys of the National Competitiveness Council which look at significant areas where there have been real improvements in our competitiveness in terms of individual costs. However, they underline the need for continual vigilance in the area of competitiveness. Obviously, there are always risks and it has pointed to particular sectors where risk arises.

The original question referred to utilities and Government controlled services. In regard to the cost of those services, the range of goods and services the CSO classifies as "administered" by central, regional or local government or national regulators represent a small subset of the overall CPI basket in the areas of hospital services, gas, passenger transport and postal services. Prices for most utilities, such as waste management and electricity, are market driven and, therefore, not set by Government. Alternatively, in some cases, such as the cost of public transport, prices are approved by an external independent regulator. It is, however, important that we remain vigilant in regard to future price increases. I can assure the Deputy that the competitiveness challenge is a very live one and we are very alert to the need to make continual improvements.

See this speech in context