Budget 2014 must be the last of the austerity budgets, the Irish Export Association (IEA) has said.

Calling for more incentives to encourage investors into export businesses, IEA chief executive John Whelan said the manufacturing industry is under particular competitive stress.

“Hence we need the sector to be assisted with lower cost electricity and support for transport costs.”

He said far too few companies were exporting with job creation options in the domestic market slim.

In its pre-budget submission, the association said the incentive for investors to support Irish based businesses has been dramatically reduced since the 2008 economic crash.

“A further year of austere budget measures is required to maximise competitiveness and address Government operating costs. However, it must be stated by Minister Noonan when issuing Budget 2014 that this will be the last year of austerity budgets,’’ the IEA said.

The association also called on Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to confirm that the pension levy will be abolished at the end of 2014, as promised.