146. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to improve Ireland's competitiveness in order to attract and retain foreign direct investment, FDI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45439/26]

Sentiment score: 0.22

Competitiveness is so important to Ireland as an open market economy. What measures have been taken by the Department to improve Ireland's competitiveness to attract and retain FDI? Will the Minister of State make a statement on it?

Sentiment score: 0.33

I welcome the Government's continued focus on competitiveness and attracting investment through IDA Ireland. It is clear that the international trading environment has become more challenging in recent years, with increasing trade barriers and growing competition for investment globally. Given Ireland's reliance on international trade and FDI, will the Minister of State outline the key actions being taken across government to strengthen our competitiveness? In particular, what progress has been made in areas such as infrastructure delivery, skills development and regulatory efficiency, which are increasingly important factors for companies considering Ireland as a location for investment? As sure as day follows night, and as we see in the economy, after every boom there is a recession. Things are getting tight at the moment. We are no longer in a position of comfort. Companies from other parts of the world will be looking at Ireland from a fiscal point of view, so what is the Minister of State's Department doing to make sure we remain as competitive as possible?

Sentiment score: 0.35

I welcome the strong performance in attracting investment into Ireland and the commitment to balanced regional development. As we look at the next phase of growth, it is important that counties such as Offaly and the wider midlands continue to benefit from new investment opportunities. Will the Minister provide an update on the measures being taken to support regional locations in competing for future investment? We are grateful in Offaly, particularly in Tullamore, for the investment by IDA Ireland in lands for a new IDA Ireland park. What progress has been made in getting the infrastructure into this park and what progress has been made in strengthening regional enterprise infrastructure, skills provision and site development so areas such as the midlands will be well positioned to secure a greater share of future jobs and investment?

Sentiment score: 0.71

Last year we brought in the SME test. It is a great way of checking all legislation before it comes in to see how it will affect SMEs. In what ways does the Minister think the test has helped small businesses in that time?

Sentiment score: 0.21

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. The principle, as he said, behind the SME test is to think small first to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses. However, many small business owners would say they are still spending too much time dealing with paperwork and compliance requirements rather than running their businesses. For example, a constituent who operates a petrol station informed me he requires 14 separate licences, permits and registrations to operate his business. While each requirement may have a valid purpose, the cumulative burden can be significant. A lot of these requirements were there before we brought in the SME test but what can the Minister of State and his colleagues do to reduce this burden going forward? Will he outline specific examples where the SME test has resulted in reduced reporting obligations, streamlined processes or simplified compliance requirements for small businesses?

Sentiment score: -0.19

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Another key objective of the SME test is to identify circumstances where exemption thresholds or more proportionate requirements may be appropriate for smaller businesses. Can the Minister of State provide examples where the SME test has resulted in exemptions or thresholds being introduced for smaller businesses? Furthermore, does he believe there is scope to expand the use of such measures in future, especially where the cost of compliance falls disproportionately on small businesses with limited staff and resources?

Sentiment score: 0.03