Ireland must increase productivity levels

Citation

(2006), "Ireland must increase productivity levels", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 55 No. 3/4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijppm.2006.07955cab.002

Ireland must increase productivity levels

Productivity growth is the most important factor in Ireland’s future growth, according to Forfas – the national policy advisory board for enterprise, trade, science, technology and innovation. Irish employment rates are now above the EU average, while wage costs increased by 35 per cent between 1999 and 2004. Given these trends, Ireland’s ability to catch up with the living standards of the world’s richest regions now depends on increasing the productivity levels of those already in work. Many of the countries with the highest productivity levels in the world are also the ones with the shortest average working hours per person. Strong productivity growth makes rising pay levels consistent with strong industry profitability and better public services.