Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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442. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in view of the sharp decline in business confidence among mid-sized Irish firms (from 81% to 60%) with energy costs, skills shortages and regulation cited as principal constraints, if he will provide a regional breakdown, including the Cork-Munster area, of firms indicating plans to reduce investment or hiring in the next 12 months; the targeted actions which are being considered to ease the energy-cost burden on manufacturers and exporters; and the enhanced supports which are being introduced to up-skill workforce in sectors critical to the Cork region. [61169/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The Government acknowledges the significant challenges currently facing enterprise and remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting firms, protecting jobs, and fostering a competitive and sustainable business environment. Measures implemented to date reflect this commitment, including the publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity (September 2025) and the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum – both key commitments under the Programme for Government.

The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity sets out concrete actions to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity, which are essential foundations for sustainable economic growth. Complementing this, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum provides a structured platform for engagement between Government, regulators, and enterprise representatives across sectors including retail, tourism, agriculture, and the multinational sector. Its purpose is to identify and address the real-world cost pressures facing businesses and to develop actionable recommendations for Government.

The Forum has already held discussions on energy costs and security of supply, as well as insurance costs, with future meetings to focus on other key cost drivers. Each session includes relevant regulators and agencies to ensure that issues are addressed collaboratively and lead to tangible outcomes. The Forum’s findings will inform a report and set of recommendations to Government on short-term measures and longer-term reforms to help maintain a competitive and resilient business environment.

The Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity makes reducing regulatory and administrative burdens a key priority. The Plan’s Theme 4, “Competition: Regulating for Growth and Controlling Costs,” sets out 18 actions, including five priority measures. Among these is the launch of a government-wide “Red Tape Challenge” aimed at simplifying, removing, or reducing unnecessary regulations that may hinder business activity. Each Government Department will identify opportunities for simplification, supported by a public consultation to highlight the areas of greatest burden. The Plan also commits the Department of the Taoiseach to coordinate a suite of regulatory reform initiatives across Government, including the establishment of a central Economic Regulators Forum to promote consistency, proportionality, and efficiency in regulatory practice.

High energy costs (particularly for non-household consumers) and infrastructural deficits are also identified as major competitiveness challenges. Under Theme 6, “Growing Sustainable Irish Businesses and Boosting Regional Development,” the Plan commits the Government to examine options for supporting energy-intensive manufacturing sectors under EU State Aid Guidelines to enhance competitiveness and resilience. It also includes measures to improve energy infrastructure, ensuring a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply for enterprise through accelerated grid development and expansion of renewables.

Finally, the Action Plan highlights the importance of balanced regional development as a cornerstone of Ireland’s long-term competitiveness. It recognises that a resilient and regionally balanced economic model is essential to ensure that growth and opportunity are spread across all parts of the country. Under Theme 6, the Government commits to strengthening enterprise activity beyond the main urban centres through measures such as the establishment of up to three pilot national clusters in 2025 ahead of a full National Clustering Programme in 2026, and consideration of a new Regional Enterprise Development Fund informed by the review of the Regional Enterprise Plans. The Plan also acknowledges the critical role of tourism, hospitality, and local enterprise in sustaining employment in rural and peripheral areas, emphasising that maintaining their competitiveness is key to achieving a spatially inclusive and sustainable economic model.

On the issue of regional skills development, the South West Regional Skills Forum serves the counties of Cork and Kerry and supports businesses in the region to assess and develop skills for their employees. This forum is 1 of 9 based around the country and collectively the Regional Skills Fora brings people together at local and regional level, to identify, investigate and validate skills needs. The work of the South West Regional Skills Forum is supported by key industry, economic and education partners from across the region, who all work together to identify and implement pro-active responses to address current and future skills needs.

Skillnet Ireland also operate a number of networks in the Munster region, including BioPharma Chem Skillnet, Cork Chamber Skillnet and South West Gnó. The Skillnet networks support local companies of all sizes to identify and address current and future skills needs, provide information regarding successful approaches to learning and talent development, and provide guidance on achieving value for money when investing in learning and development.