James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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405. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Government will host a competitiveness summit this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16828/25]

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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406. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps that have been taken to develop an action plan on competitiveness and productivity within the first 12 months of this Government, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16829/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

In 2024, Ireland was ranked as the 4th most competitive country in the World in the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings. Indeed, Ireland currently holds a strong competitive position globally, and this performance is underpinned by several key factors, including a highly skilled workforce, strong economic growth, and success in attracting foreign direct investment in high-value sectors. Ireland has also enjoyed exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years. Employment is at record levels. However, the international context is rapidly changing, and we recognise that many businesses, whether indigenous or FDI, are facing increased challenges, including on the cost of doing business.

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) has outlined the challenges to Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity over the medium term and the policy responses required to meet them in its latest annual report – Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2024. In an evolving geopolitical landscape, the focus must be placed on addressing those challenges that are within our sphere of influence.

On foot of the NCPC’s annual report, the Taoiseach hosted a Competitiveness Summit on the 2nd of September 2024. Responding to the Summit, and the challenges facing Ireland’s competitiveness, the Government made a number of decisions. This included a commitment to progressing important reforms to address competitiveness challenges, including on the delivery of infrastructure, on costs and delays in the legal system, on financing the scale-up of Irish enterprise, and on maintaining our attractiveness as a location for investment and regulation of the digital sector. The Government also committed to hosting an annual Summit with the NCPC in advance of the Budget each year.

In recognition of the competitiveness challenges facing Ireland, the current Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, contains a commitment to developing a new whole-of-Government Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity. This plan will cover industrial policy, reducing the cost and regulatory burden on business, investing in infrastructure, digital regulation and reform, energy reform, international trade and research and development, and innovation. Over the coming weeks, the NCPC will finalise its Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2025 report. This work will feed into the development of the Action Plan.

At present, it is envisaged that work on the Action Plan will be considered by Ministers at a Competitiveness Summit to be held later this year.