Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy Durkan for his very important question. He rightly points out that it is important to look at the threats on the horizon. Globalisation is a significant threat to our foreign direct investment. We live in a very fragmented international geopolitical landscape. We can see that there are many trade tensions emanating across the globe. In a European context, we are trying to ensure we do not suffer as a result of those tensions. We have a lot of work to do in that regard in an international context, when our Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 moves start to crystallise. A number of countries, such as the United States, have not moved in that regard. Our skills base is our trump card. From travelling around Ireland I know we have a dynamic workforce. We have the highest number of STEM graduates per capita in the EU. We also have the highest output of ICT graduates in the EU, at 8%. That is a very strong selling point. Companies that are considering coming here will get talent and skills. It is important to support that with tertiary partnerships in the future.

Critically, we must give family businesses and SMEs the tools they need to grow and flourish, because two thirds of all employment in our communities is in SMEs. They drive so much economic activity. It is important for the Department to really go big in supporting them in the days and months ahead.

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