Taoiseach's Press Releases 2002
The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., this morning (21 November 2002) welcomed Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, leader of the Turkish AK (Justice and Development) party, to Dublin. Mr. Erdogan is touring European capitals with a view to seeking support for the commencement of accession negotiations by Turkey to join the European Union. Mr. Erdogan was accompanied by the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mr.Yaasar Yakis.
Speaking on the Estimates for the Public Service published today, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D., emphasised the importance of ensuring that public spending was put on a sustainable basis. In doing so, we had to be realistic about what could be afforded in the light of the downturn in the international economy and its obvious effects here in Ireland.
The Taoiseach announced today that following consultations with the participating parties and groups, it has been decided to reconvene the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation, as part of wider efforts directed at building confidence and promoting the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. A meeting of the reconvened Forum has been fixed for St. Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 27 November, 2002. The meeting will conduct a general stocktaking and review of the political situation and developments in regard to Northern Ireland and of the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. As indicated, this will be complementary to other ongoing activity in this regard, exemplified by the recent talks with the British Government and the Northern Ireland parties held by the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
I welcome and am encouraged by many aspects of Gerry Adams speech this morning. His strong statement of determination to keep the peace process intact and of the recognition of the need to bring closure to all of the key issues is a positive contribution at this difficult time in the process. I share his view that the process we are all embarked upon must involve irreversible change on all sides.
John Reid has played a significant role advancing the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I would like to express my personal appreciation and the appreciation of the Government for his valuable contribution to the process. I warmly congratulate him and wish him the very best in his appointment.
The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Drnovsek discussed Slovenia's preparations for membership of the European Union as we now enter the final phase of the accession negotiations. The Taoiseach congratulated Prime Minister Drnovsek on the speed of political and economic progress in Slovenia over the past few years, noting that Slovenia is a leading candidate in the accession process.
The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., and the Tánaiste Mary Harney T.D. will today (Monday, 2nd September) launch the Government Information Guide - Treaty of Nice and Seville Declarations 2002.
The five previous NESC Strategy Reports provided the vital frameworks for the series of social partnership agreements since 1987. These agreements have played a central role in bringing about very significant economic and social progress, especially in terms of increased living standards, higher employment and lower unemployment.
The Taoiseach, Mr.Bertie Ahern, T. D. today announced the following appointments to the Seanad:
For a project to get off the ground in the first place, it must be endorsed by the Council of Ministers, in a vote which requires over 71% of votes cast and the support of Ministers representing at least 62% of the population this sets a very high threshold