Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that manufacturing turnover has increased by less than one per cent from 2000 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17873/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The manufacturing sector in Ireland continues to perform strongly, both in terms of increasing turnover (monetary value) and production (volumes of units produced). According to the latest CSO Release — Industrial Production and Turnover (dated 12th May 2006), overall turnover in 2005 is up 13 percent relative to 2000 in manufacturing industries.

Turnover for manufacturing industries has increased year-on-year from 2000-2005, except for 2003 where turnover was down 2.8 percent on 2002. From 2004-2005, the annual increase in turnover for manufacturing industries was 4.2 percent, the highest annual increase since 2001.

However there are significant differences in the relative performance of various manufacturing sectors. Two 'modern' sectors have performed very strongly over the period with turnover for Publishing, Printing and Reproduction of Recorded Media up 42 percent relative to 2000 while turnover in the Chemicals Sector increased by 24 percent. There has also been substantial increases in turnover for more traditional sectors. From 2000-2005, turnover for Food, Beverages and Tobacco increased by 16 percent, Wood and Wood Products by 27 percent, and Minerals by 10 percent. Two sectors in particular have experienced considerable turnover declines over the same period with turnover for Textiles and Textile Products having fallen by 35.6 percent relative to 2000 and turnover in the Leather and Leather products sector declining by 83 percent relative to 2000.

To assist industry maintain competitiveness and increase productivity the economic development agencies are working on an ongoing basis to promote the adoption of new technology and best practice at company level. The agencies aim to support sustainable, high value added enterprise in Ireland through the provision of mentoring and developmental supports, the enhancement of management capabilities and critical workforce skills in client companies, support for the creation and implementation of strategies for market entry, development and growth, and strong supports for innovation and for research and development.