Report identifies growth areas

The national policy advisory board Forfás has identified 14 areas that the Government should target for investment to put the economy on a solid footing for growth.

In a broadly positive review of the economy, Forfás, in its 2011 annual report, stresses the need for greater focus on innovation; developing the availability of skills; improving the economy’s cost base; increasing productivity; and broadening market access to develop trade.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said: “Ireland’s improved competitiveness performance is encouraging — however we have more to do if we are to realise the Taoiseach’s ambition of becoming the best small country in the world in which to do business by 2016.