Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recently published report from the National Competitiveness Council, Competitiveness Challenge 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37867/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 146: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the National Competitiveness Council's recently published document Competitiveness Challenge 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37888/05]

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the recent work of the National Competitiveness Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37550/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 146 and 153 together.

I welcome last month's publication of the National Competitiveness Council, NCC, Competitiveness Challenge 2005. The challenge, which builds on the analysis and benchmarking of the Annual Competitiveness Report 2005, is an important contribution to our policy making and thinking on strategic development issues. The purpose of the Competitiveness Challenge is to highlight the main challenges facing the Irish business sector and identify the policy responses to support and further improve Ireland's competitiveness position.

The Competitiveness Challenge 2005 recognises the remarkable success of Ireland's economic strategy over the past 20 years and acknowledges that we are currently in a position of economic strength. The report also identifies a vision for the future of the country as a dynamic, flexible economy. We are already on the path towards achieving that vision. The new work permits regime, our skills and training initiatives, investment in research and development and in infrastructure through Transport 21 and the considerable steps by the Government to strengthen competition provide the essential building blocks for the dynamic, flexible economy called for by the NCC.

However, the NCC also highlights several challenges to be addressed to sustain our competitiveness in the medium to long term. These challenges include increased global competition; our increased cost base; the need to manage the shift from manufacturing to services; and the need to further develop our knowledge economy. To address these challenges the council is proposing policy initiatives in the following four areas, tax and regulation, infrastructure, education and training and entrepreneurship and innovation. Of particular importance are the proposals on increased investment in research and development, education, the need for increased vigilance in ensuring value for money and promoting competitive markets. All the policy initiatives suggested by the NCC will be given careful consideration by Government.