The IEA welcomed the Government's publication of the public services review group report- 'Bord Snip'

John Whelan, Chief Executive of the IEA said:

"Preventing the global crisis from reversing decades of export growth in Ireland is critical to the future of the economy. Tax increases on employers and employees have already been implemented, and further increases are likely to be counter productive. Public expenditure cost increases had reached unsustainable levels, even before the economic crisis, and has to be aggressively tackled before we can return to a sustainable growth path. The necessary first step has now been taken with this Review Report published today and its indications of where there is potential to reduce the cost of running the country."

"However, it is essential that we focus on the non � productive areas of the Public sector , and do not damage the ability of the enterprise support agencies to assist businesses to emerge successfully from the current crises. Enabling businesses to expand into export markets is the answer to our challenge and will as in the past provide the foundations for our future growth."

End

John Whelan
CEO
Irish Exporters Association
Ph: 01-661-2182