Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

Mr. John Trethowan will draw up proposals in this regard. The process is in train and the new mechanism will be of critical importance because, as every Senator and Deputy knows, there are difficulties in getting credit flowing into the broader economy.

On competitiveness, Ireland lives or dies by its exports. In recent years, we have lost competitiveness in the international arena. Ireland is an acknowledged location for foreign direct investment. Our highly innovative, educated workforce and willingness to respond to challenges is also acknowledged. There is no greater challenge than the issue of competitiveness. It is the key to recovery. While we can discuss many other issues, if we are not exporting and promoting our products internationally in a competitive manner, the pie we must all share will become much smaller.