72% Of Irish CEOs See Overseas Markets More Significant

Ireland's reliance on domestic demand should be a thing of the past.

This was signalled by the results of a new survey by Enterprise Ireland and Deloitte which found that almost three quarters (72%) of Irish CEOs see overseas markets as far more significant to Ireland's economic recovery than the local economy, believing that greater participation in these markets will speed up the process. The survey was carried out on 365 CEOs registered to attend today's CeoForum in the Convention Centre Dublin, hosted by Enterprise Ireland and Deloitte. The survey investigates a number of areas which are relevant to the theme of this year’s forum - 'Growth is on the Horizon'.

The survey, which will be discussed at the forum, also identified that only 21% of business leaders believe that Ireland will return to consistent strong GDP growth in 2013, while two thirds (67%) envisage that scenario during 2014.

According to Brendan Jennings, Managing Partner, Deloitte: "There is a growing realisation within Irish businesses that even relatively small firms need to be more focused on the opportunities abroad and less on the traditional home market."

All registering CEOs were asked to partake in the survey before the event to gauge their perception of various business climate issues and key supports provided by Government. When asked about the maths and technology education in this country and moves by the Government to improve and support it, the vast majority of respondents (92%) highlighted that they support the Government's stance on trying to promote greater participation in honours Leaving Cert maths. When participants were subsequently asked whether the Government’s endeavours should be extended to science subjects, 4 out of 5 business leaders (84%) said that they were in favour of extending the bonus points concept to boost participation in these subjects.

The Project Maths module was first rolled out by the Government in September 2010 and since then it, and additional bonus CAO points, have had a positive effect on the numbers sitting higher level maths. Project Maths has shown promising results with more students opting to take the higher level maths exam and increased student engagement with the subject. The CEO Forum survey has revealed that business leaders in this country agree on a greater focus on what they see as job creating subjects – maths and the sciences.