New data proves Varadkar was wrong when he said competitiveness is not improving
Fine Gael’s Leo Varadkar was wrong when he said on RTE’s The Week in Politics last night that Ireland’s competitiveness is not improving, according to Donegal North East Fianna Fáil TD Niall Blaney. 25/01/10“To say that Ireland’s competitiveness is not improving is just downright incorrect and is typical of the negative spin that Deputy Varadkar regularly chooses to indulge in.”
“I don’t expect him to be gushing about the work being done by the Government to improve our competitiveness, but to bluntly say that out competitiveness is not improving is disingenuous and is not helpful to the economy.”
“Data out today in a report by Sustainable Energy Ireland’s shows that Ireland experienced the third largest price drop in electricity prices to industry across the EU over the 12 month period up until June 30, 2009. At the same time, 22 of 27 Countries experienced price increases.”
“Gas prices have also continued to fall. They are now 7 to 10 per cent below the EU average in the main two consumption bands for business.”
“We are also making progress with consumer prices they have reduced by more than 6.5 per cent in the last year.”
“We have seen a decline in labour costs and this obviously has a direct and immediate effect on our competitiveness.”
“A reduction in construction costs and the subsequent fall in tender prices have meant that the Government has been able to make considerable progress on the capital programme.”
“Rents are coming down across the board and the Government also recently introduced a ban on upward only rent reviews - a move which has been broadly welcomed.”
“The Government is taking several steps to reduce the cost of doing business here and to support businesses compete in the global playing field. “
“The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund for example provides direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction of other measures to gain sales in overseas markets.”
“Enterprise Ireland is working with companies in both manufacturing and services sectors on a daily basis to help them enhance their competitive strength and improve their export potential.”
“We have a lot more work to do in this area and the Government is committed to restoring competitiveness, because that is vital to our own recovery.”
“But for Leo Varadkar to mislead the public so blatantly, to say that there is no plan and that competitiveness has not improved, it just plain incorrect,” concluded Niall Blaney TD.
