Government Press Releases 2005
The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, TD, met today with His Excellency, Georgi Paranov, President of Bulgaria during his State Visit to Ireland. Discussions between the two leaders were cordial and useful and covered a range of bilateral and economic issues. Of particular focus were EU enlargement and Bulgarian preparations for their accession to the EU. The Taoiseach and the President also reflected on the 50th anniversary of UN membership for both their countries and their shared commitment to UN peacekeeping.
Minister of State and Government Chief Whip, Tom Kitt, T.D., today welcomed the fall in the annual inflation rate to 2.6% in November - down from 3.0% in September and October.
The National Implementation Body was established to help to ensure delivery of the stability and peace provisions of Sustaining Progress. Under that agreement, the NIB may make recommendations to the social partners to ensure the effective delivery of the spirit and intent of the Partnership Agreement.
Today, the Government is announcing the most significant transport investment programme in the history of this country – TRANSPORT 21.
The decisions we have taken will complete the transformation of Ireland’s road and public transport system for generations to come.
Our ambition and plan is clear and substantial – we will build a world-class transport system for the 21st century and we will do it on time and on budget.
The two Governments have today received a report from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD).
The report states that the IICD has overseen a further and final major programme of arms decommissioning by the IRA. It is the IICD’s assessment, based on the information available to it and the two Governments, that the IRA has now placed all of its arms completely and verifiably beyond use.
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Michael McDowell TD, Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, will meet with a Sinn Fein delegation at 12 mid-day on Friday 23rd September 2005
Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for European Affairs, today encouraged people to make applications for funding under the “Communicating Europe Initiative”. The funding is available to both groups and individuals engaged in promoting greater awareness of the European Union.
Today's developments herald a new era for all of the people of the island of Ireland. This is a day that we have been working towards for over a decade.
We welcome today's developments concerning the IRA.
The end of the IRA as a paramilitary organisation is the outcome the Governments have been working towards since the cessation of military activity in 1994. We acknowledge the significance of the IRA statement. Both Governments are hopeful that the practical elements of this statement will be implemented in the terms set out. If the IRA’s words are borne out by actions, it will be a momentous and historic development.