Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation his plans to reduce the cost to business of energy, telecommunications, waste management and transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10003/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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While I do not have direct policy responsibility for the sectors referred to by the Deputy, I am keen to ensure that all costs which impact on businesses, including energy, telecommunications, waste management and transport, are kept as low as possible in order to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in Ireland. Improved competitiveness will help businesses to retain existing jobs, create new ones, and contribute to economic recovery.

The National Competitiveness Council monitors and analyses costs and other competitiveness issues in the Irish economy through its suite of reports, including its annual "Benchmarking Ireland's Performance" report and reports on the "Costs of Doing Business in Ireland". The most recent reports, published in July 2010, show that Ireland has regained some of its cost competitiveness in the last two years - for example through reductions in electricity and gas prices for businesses, and the reduction or freezing of Local Authority rates.

However, this Government is committed to doing more to reduce the cost base for business. A cross-Departmental approach is required and, in this context, I will be working with my Government colleagues over the coming weeks and months to identify actions that can be taken to further cut costs to business and remove obstacles to employment creation.