Exporters call for action in pre-Budget submission

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) have warned in their pre-Budget 2005 submission against the loss of competitive advantage in export markets.

At the launch of the IEA Pre-Budget Submission Michael Counahan, President of the Association said: “Labour costs are now, by and large, non competitive for export companies. Irish wages have been rising faster than in other EU countries for a number of years (1998 – 2003 pre tax compensation to employees in Ireland grew by 37% whereas by only 8.7% in Germany).