Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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72. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps she will take to reverse the continual fall in business competitiveness levels and make Ireland an attractive location for businesses to locate, particularly Ireland's competitiveness standing with the UK; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22958/17]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's improved competitiveness has been central to employment growth. In 2016, Ireland moved from 16th to seventh in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook. Brexit means we must do more to enhance our attractiveness as a location to start, locate and grow a business.

The National Competitiveness Council has undertaken a benchmarking exercise comparing Irish and UK competitiveness.  I share the Council’s view that Brexit means we must continue to further improve competitiveness.

As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, my focus is on ensuring Ireland enhances its competitiveness as a place to locate and run a business.

Through the Action Plan for Jobs 2017, this Government is working to improve the ease and cost of doing business. We are working to have all government transactions with business online by the end of the year, and to introduce a 'Think Small First' rule for new proposals. We are focusing on reducing the costs of insurance and increasing housing supply. We have introduced the Knowledge Development Box and reduced the rate of Capital Gains Tax to 10%.  We are providing increased support for enterprise innovation and productivity growth, in particular through expanded LEAN programmes. We are putting more people on the ground in foreign markets through IDA to attract investment. Through increased resources for EI we are supporting Irish businesses that export to the UK to diversify.  I will be working with my colleague Ministers to ensure the review of the Capital Plan gives sufficient priority to key competitiveness issues. 

Competitiveness is key to success in international markets and helping businesses to improve their competitiveness will remain a key focus for my Department.