Government Press Releases 1998
The Government is determined to make Ireland a global leader in the Telecommunications and Information Technology sector. Through the innovative use of public-private partnership, we will connect Ireland to global telecommunications networks, and switch Ireland on to the world of the Internet and E-commerce. We have the talent, we will invest the necessary funding, and we will grasp the marvellous opportunity, which it offers.
The Government decided today to pursue an application to EUROSTAT, the Statistical Service of the European Commission, for a change from Ireland's current status as a single region to one comprising two regions. The application involves reclassification of Ireland's statistical regions in the European Nomenclature of Territorial Statistical Units.
The Forum was established by the Government in 1993 to contribute to the formation of a wider national consensus on economic and social policy, particularly to combat social exclusion. The unique character of the Forum on its appointment derived from its three broad strands of membership. These comprised representatives of the Oireachtas, the Social Partners and a third strand, representing the Community and Voluntary sector.
The Irish Government extends their deepest sympathy to the family of the officer, who was protecting the rights of the people of Portadown by upholding the rule of law. Those involved in and responsible for the rioting and attacks on the police that led to this death, coming on top of the deaths of the three Quinn children should hang their heads in shame.
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D., and US President Bill Clinton today signed a joint US-Ireland Communiqué on Electronic Commerce at a ceremony at the Gateway facility in Dublin. The Communiqué sets down common principles which the two Government intend will underlie the development of electronic commerce into the future
The time has come to adopt a more pro-active and precautionary approach to road safety in Ireland. The requirements of efficient transport and the convenience of our social lives cannot be allowed to dominate road safety policy, as to some extent they have done in the past. We need to relate road safety to wider issues of health and security, so that the various restrictions and disciplines imposed by road traffic regulations are seen as contributing positively to a safer Irish society
The recommendations have been the subject of extensive consultation between the Attorney General and his predecessor and the Commission in the period since the Consultants' reported. The Attorney General has agreed to make available to the Commission the services of a parliamentary draftsman for projects agreed with the Attorney, subject to availability and to the Government's legislative programme always having priority.
Agreement was reached that the Government, IBEC and the other social partners would work more intensively in the coming year under Partnership 2000 to ensure that economic growth and its benefits are sustained. The meeting noted that adherence to the terms of the Pay Agreement in Partnership 2000, in both the public and the private sectors, was crucial in this regard.
The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., announced today (Wednesday, 21 January 1998) that the Government have decided on a Programme for Young People at Risk. The centrepiece of the Programme is a Young People's Facilities and Services Fund of £30m to be provided over the next 3 years to support a variety of capital and non-capital projects in disadvantaged areas. At least £20m will be targeted at those areas particularly affected by the heroin problem.