Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider including supports for businesses to undertake research and development, to enhance innovation and competitiveness, in his action plan on competitiveness and productivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21685/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In 2024, Ireland was ranked as the 4^th 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, and employment is at record levels.

However, the international context is rapidly changing, and it is important to recognise that many businesses, whether indigenous or FDI, are facing increased challenges. In an evolving geopolitical landscape, the focus must be placed on addressing those challenges that are within our domestic sphere of influence. In recognition of the challenges facing Ireland, the Government has committed to a new whole of Government Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity. The Government has expedited this plan, with a draft of the Plan to be considered by Ministers at a Competitiveness Summit this July, and published as soon as possible thereafter. It is expected that the Plan will address areas which are impacting on the ability of SMEs to compete internationally.

These include, but are not limited to: energy costs and cost drivers for firms more generally, looking at ways to enhance the scaling of SMEs, and increasing the rate of research, development and innovation activity among firms. This is consistent with the Programme for Government, which has committed to examining options to enhance the R&D Tax Credit and to examine options to reward innovation and digitalisation, and ensure Ireland has the global best in class incentive to encourage innovation by domestic and international companies.

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. The Action Plan will be evidence based, and will be underpinned by consultations by my Department with other Government Departments and stakeholders, as well as by research and analysis. These consultations are already underway. Given the heightened level of international uncertainty, most if not all of which is outside of our control, the Action Plan will focus on matters within our domestic control by way of policy changes which can make the Irish economy more competitive and resilient to economic shocks.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on his action plan for competitiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21721/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Ireland currently holds a strong competitive position globally. This performance is reflected in our exceptionally strong economic performance in recent years. However, the international context is rapidly changing, and we recognise that many businesses, whether indigenous or FDI, are facing increased challenges.

In recognition of these challenges facing Ireland, the current Programme for Government committed to the publication of a new whole of Government Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity by January 2026. The Government has, however, accelerated this timeline, with a draft of the Plan to be considered by Ministers at a Competitiveness Summit this July. 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 National Competitiveness and Productivity Council will finalise and submit its Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2025 report to Government. This work will feed into the development of the Action Plan. Alongside this, my Department is undertaking consultation with stakeholders including other Government Departments to ensure that the Action Plan is evidence based and reflects the issues impacting Ireland’s competitiveness.

Given the heightened level of international uncertainty, the overarching objective of the Action Plan will be to focus on matters within our control by way of policy changes which can make the domestic Irish economy more competitive and resilient to economic shocks.

Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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71. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, amid growing concerns from retailers around increased criminal activity on their premises as well as rising costs, he will outline the steps being taken by his Department to support these businesses which are the backbone of the economy and communities. [19847/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Retail and other small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies, and we are working to ensure actions aimed at supporting small businesses, including retail businesses, are implemented in an effective and timely manner.

Issues in relation to crime are a matter for the Department of Justice. I am acutely aware of the concerns of retailers regarding increased criminal activity being experienced by them in towns and villages across Ireland. At the last Retail Forum in March 2025, I heard from retail sector representatives directly on how retail crime is having very real consequences for businesses.

The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of retail crime. My department has engaged with the Department of Justice on these and Retail Forum members have been invited to meet with the Minister for Justice to hear their views on how we can best approach remedies to the behaviours and activities of those who engage in retail crime.

There are also a broad range of supports available for businesses, including retail businesses. The list of supports can be found on the National Enterprise Hub, which was developed by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the department in 2024.