Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 410: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland has been ranked in 21st place in terms of economic competitiveness for the second consecutive year in the Global Competitiveness Index; if targets for a higher ranking have been set by his Department; and if so, the proposed measures for the achievement of the those targets. [32805/06]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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International indicators of competitiveness are produced by a number of international organisations. Many of these are based on a combination of survey and statistical data and they give us broad pointers to competitiveness and where we stand vis a vis other countries. In 2004 the World Economic Forum placed Ireland 26th. in its international competitiveness league a rise of four places on the previous year. We were 30th in 2003. Subsequent changes to its ranking methodology places Ireland in 21st position out of 125 economies in 2006, the same position as in 2005. This is a significant achievement given that some of our competitors slipped in their ranking.

The Government does not set specific targets for specific international surveys of competitiveness. Rather we take a broader approach to improving Ireland's trend in competitiveness over time and in this regard we are making steady progress. The IMD which also compiles an international competitiveness ranking positioned Ireland as the 11th. most competitive economy in 2006, up one place since 2005. In relation to rankings provided by the World Bank, I note that Ireland is ranked as the 10th. easiest place in which to do business, while the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor ranks Ireland as the best place in the EU for entrepreneurship.

Competitiveness has many dimensions. As the National Competitiveness Council points out, we cannot excel in every indicator and nor should we try. What counts ultimately is our ability to grow our economy, create jobs for our citizens, improved prosperity and general quality of life. We have done this successfully over the past 15 years.