Munster’s dismal rate of hook-up to the internet via broadband is posing a serious problem for exporters, according to a new report published today by the Irish Exporters Association (IEA).

IRISH exports to the US in the first four months of 2004 were 22% ahead of the same period last year, leaving Ireland on course to become America’s eighth largest trading partner.

The Irish Exporters Association said today that over 50% of Irish exporters were hit by bad debts last year.

Irish firms are losing out on their share of the €750bn public procurement contracts issued annually by the European Union, the Irish Exporters Association has claimed.