‘Competitiveness holds key to recovery’

Ireland remains an attractive business location for overseas companies but the country’s ongoing competitiveness hinges on a range of issues from an improved education system to a more diverse workforce, a conference heard yesterday.

“As Ireland works through its difficult economic times, it is clear that improving competitiveness will help. I have always believed that to be truly successful, everyone needs an equal chance to compete. This is true in sports and this is true in business,” US ambassador to Ireland and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney told delegates at this year’s US Embassy conference at Croke Park.

The theme of this year’s conference was the strengthening of Ireland’s international competitiveness and delegates heard from diverse speakers, including Education Minister Ruairi Quinn who said the overhaul planned for second-level education will give Ireland “a competitive advantage” in years to come; businesswoman Norah Casey who urged more entrepreneurial support and increased levels of multinational re-investment; and Heinz chief executive Bill Johnson.