Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to setting up a cross-departmental-agency task force overseeing competitiveness in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52289/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s competitiveness is a key priority for Government and is supported through several coordinated structures and initiatives. In particular, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) plays a central role in advising Government on competitiveness and productivity issues. It is also designated as Ireland’s National Productivity Board. The Council reports to An Taoiseach and the Government through the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. It provides independent analysis and policy advice on the factors affecting Ireland’s competitiveness, and its annual reports are a key input into policymaking.

The Council includes a broad range of representatives. The current membership comprises individuals drawn from industry and trade unions, as well as officials from the enterprise agencies, and international subject matter experts. In addition, Senior Officials from across Government Departments attend Council meetings in an advisory capacity, ensuring that a wide-ranging and cross-Departmental perspective informs the Council’s work.

On September 10th, Government published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. This Action Plan includes 85 actions set out across 6 key themes. Responsibility for each of these actions has been assigned to specific departments and/or state agencies. The Plan reflects a whole-of-Government approach to strengthening Ireland’s competitive position, and its implementation is being jointly coordinated by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of the Taoiseach. Progress will be monitored through regular meetings of a Senior Officials Group, which provides robust cross-departmental oversight and ensures strategic alignment across policy areas. This structure supports transparency, drives delivery, and reinforces the Government’s commitment to improving Ireland’s competitiveness in a cohesive and accountable manner.

The Government will continue to engage with the NCPC and other stakeholders to ensure that Ireland’s competitiveness strategy remains responsive, evidence-based, and effectively coordinated across the public sector.