Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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218. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the most commonly placed obstacles for manufacturing and services sector, with particular reference to the need to compete with imports and the equal need for our exports to compete on foreign markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31950/23]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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My department recognises that the manufacturing and services sectors face various challenges when it comes to competing with imports and ensuring the competitiveness of Irish exports in foreign markets such as cost competitiveness, technological innovation, global market access, skills and talent and supply chain resilience.

In that regard, Enterprise Ireland collaborates closely with Irish companies operating in the manufacturing and services sectors to tackle these challenges. EI offers assistance in the form of funding access, innovation programmes, mentorship, market intelligence, and opportunities for international networking. By capitalising on these resources, Irish businesses can boost their competitiveness, surmount obstacles, and achieve success in both domestic and international markets.

Irish business faced another challenging year in 2022, with energy costs, inflation and supply chain disruption impacting the trading environment. However, with a record €32 billion in export sales by Enterprise Ireland client companies, Irish business has demonstrated its ability to absorb global economic disruption and continue to compete and win in international markets.