Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures, in view of the report from the high level group on manufacturing, he proposes to bring forward to achieve control over Government regulated costs. [15727/08]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures, in view of the report from the high level group on manufacturing, he proposes to bring forward to achieve control over Government regulated costs and to restore competitiveness. [15908/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 99 together.

My colleague the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment launched the Report of the High Level Group on Manufacturing earlier this month, on foot of a Towards 2016 agreement to review the challenges facing the manufacturing sector. The Group has highlighted a number of issues for the manufacturing sector in the areas of, among other things, utility and other costs. Every effort will continue to be made to pursue policies that seek to contain costs to business and manufacturing industry to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, who retains responsibility for the development of enterprise policy, will consider appropriate measures to address key issues raised by the Report. It should be remembered that Ireland has always had one of the lowest Corporation Tax rates on companies and our social security costs for employers are far less than in many EU member states. These are not inconsiderable benefits to the manufacturing sector which should not be overlooked.