Taoiseach's Speeches Archive 1999
the NAPS is important because it highlights the need for co-operation across policies, programmes and Departments. The NAPS was developed as an attempt at better co-ordination. This Report shows that, in many areas, this is being achieved. Such co-ordination is securely based when it reflects the views and experiences of those at the receiving end: those experiencing poverty, and those working on the ground on a daily basis with the marginalised in our society.
Governor General Sir William Deane, Lady Deane. I was a member of the first Irish Parliamentary Delegation to visit Australia, which was instrumental in establishing the Australia Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Federal Parliament. I am glad to say that, over the last ten years, the Group has grown significantly in numbers and in prestige and, now with 115 members, it is the largest Friendship Group in the Federal Parliament, and includes 50% of the entire Federal Parliament.
There is no doubt that the social partnership agreements since 1987, have played a major part too in laying the foundation and setting the context for this country's phenomenal growth in recent years. Government, along with the other social partners, is challenged to nurture and develop that process, especially for our young people, and for all those who still remain on society's margins - particularly the long-term unemployed.