Last Autumn’s report by Mario Draghi was designed to ignite action throughout Europe and force it to focus less on regulation and more on competitiveness. Now in light of the global trade war, Ireland may need to step up its efforts to make its companies thrive on a global stage and be a bit less dependent on the US. Now the Government says it’s accelerating the competitiveness and productivity action plan.  But what’s in it and what can be done given Ireland’s notoriously slow legal and planning system.  

 Joe spoke to Alan Dillon is the Minister of State for Small Businesses and Retail.