Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on the downturn in business activity in the services sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15608/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Available data on services are, by their very nature, somewhat limited. However, in relation to the available indicators these suggest more modest activity in the services sector this year. I would point out, however, that exports of services have been very strong in recent years, rising by over 14 per cent last year. Employment in tradeable services tends to be in the higher value-added, knowledge-intensive sectors, where pay levels are relatively high. In other words, we are moving further along the value-added curve and this is a positive development.