merrion street

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr. Richard Bruton, TD, welcomed the latest merchandise trade figures released today (Monday) by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

"A strong export performance will be crucial in driving the recovery in the wider economy. Today’s figures, the latest in a growing body of evidence of high levels of performance in manufacturing and exports, show that an export-led recovery is becoming a real possibility. This is particularly welcome at a time when we are receiving mixed news about the global economy.

"The CSO’s recent publication of data showing that our services exports in the first quarter of 2011 were up 10% on the first quarter of 2010, combined with today’s results on merchandise trade, confirms that exports of all types are performing extremely well.

"However we must not become complacent about our export performance, as aspects of the figures show. I, together with my colleagues across government, am determined to ensure that exports can continue to grow and lead a recovery in the domestic economy.

"We must also ensure that our indigenous companies continue to increase their exports. Recent figures showing that Enterprise Ireland client companies had increased their exports by 9% in 2010, to reach a total of €14bn are to be welcomed – but we must do more to ensure that Irish companies as well as multinationals can achieve highly ambitious export targets.

"Above all, we must ensure that our competitiveness continues to improve at a faster rate than our competitors, particularly at a time when costs outside our control are high. I am determined to continue implementing measures which will bring costs down and make it easier for businesses to export, expand and create the jobs we so badly need".