IMI says Budget must focus on Ireland's cost competitiveness

The Minister for Finance Brian Cowen is being urged to keep a strong focus on Ireland's cost competitiveness in next week's budget by the Irish Management Institute.

The IMI said they have been canvassing the views of foreign multi-nationals based in Ireland.

The organisation’s Chief Executive Tom McCarthy said their survey indicated that the multi-nationals’ parent companies want better transport infrastructure, which means getting the ambitious ‘Transport 21’ plan on track.

The retention of the country's low corporate tax rate is also a major factor for ongoing foreign investment, which McCarthy pointed out was crucial to Ireland’s economic strength.