Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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55. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which technology, education and the availability of suitable business and housing accommodation continue to be an issue in regard to the creation of further employment throughout the entire country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49784/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Despite intense competition, the trajectory of Ireland’s competitiveness performance is positive. Our improved performance is reflected in strong employment growth across sectors and regions. The strong performance of clients supported by the enterprise agencies in winning exports, market share and job creation in the face of intense global competition is to be commended and reflects the competitiveness of the environment in which to do business in Ireland.

Global uncertainty and Brexit have underlined the importance of building competitive advantage.

As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, my objective is to create the best possible environment for enterprise, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment across all regions which will increase our competitiveness and support job creation. We are taking steps to ensure the economy is resilient at sectoral and firm level to deal with imminent competitiveness challenges and to build further on the progress we have made. The Government is increasing investing in infrastructure, innovation and talent and enhancing our education and training system.

From an enterprise competitiveness perspective, the ability of those coming out of the education and training system to meet the needs of a competitive economy is critical. As measured by to the IMD’s 2017 Global Competitiveness Report, Ireland performs relatively well in an international context. In terms of whether the education system and university education meets the needs of a competitive economy, Ireland is ranked and 8th and 5th in the world respectively in the IMD's report. Ireland is ranked 1st in perceptions regarding attracting and retaining talent being a priority for firms. Ireland is ranked 10th with regard to management education meeting the needs of the business community.

From a competitiveness perspective, the affordability of housing and rent levels impact upon the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for investment and indirectly impacts on enterprise costs. It is well recognised that an expansion in the supply of housing is urgently required, particularly in Dublin. The Action Plan for Housing 'Rebuilding Ireland' sets out a range of actions to boost supply and sustainably address rental affordability of all types of housing, particularly for persons most at risk of housing and rental market exclusion. Economic growth and enterprise expansion has contributed to strong demand for commercial office space in Dublin and other urban locations.

Given the rise in both commercial property rents and capital values, I welcome the recent partnerships the Irish Strategic Investment Fund have entered with various property funds to increase the supply of commercial property solutions in Ireland.

The immediate challenge for Ireland is to ensure growth is sustainable, enterprises are resilient and our economy is internationally competitive. Improving competitiveness will remain the key to supporting employment growth. I will shortly bring the Competitiveness Council's annual Competitiveness Challenge report to Government and I will ensure the required actions to address emerging competitiveness issues across Government are addressed as part of the Action Plan for Jobs process.