Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the mid year statement from the National Competitiveness Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27434/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the recent publication of the National Competitiveness Council's mid-year Statement 'Getting Fit Again: the Short Term Priorities for Restoring Ireland's Competitiveness'.

The NCC Statement reiterates that the Government is taking the necessary steps to restore fiscal stability and ensure we maintain a vibrant enterprise sector capable of sustainable export-led growth. Restoring Ireland's competitiveness and, in particular, cost competitiveness is a key priority for this Government and essential for sustaining and creating employment. There are a wide range of competitive strengths which we retain, including a young and comparatively well educated work force, growing levels of research and development activity, a modern internationally-traded enterprise base as well as a long track record as an attractive location for overseas investment.

The NCC statement is a balanced and realistic assessment of the current economic challenges that face us. The statement broadly endorses the actions that this Government is taking in line with our medium term strategy for sustainable growth set out in the Framework for Economic Renewal.