Lisbon Agenda - Integrated Guidelines for Growth and Jobs - National Reform Programme, Ireland
Foreword
In an increasingly global marketplace, the goal set in Lisbon in 2000, to make the European Union the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world, with more and better jobs and greater social inclusion, by 2010, is equally valid, and equally challenging, in 2005.
The mid-term review, initiated under Ireland’s Presidency in 2004, revealed that the Union has a long way to go to achieve its goal. The pace of progress in other leading regions of the global economy shows that, for European enterprises, the competitive threat is increasingly coming more from outside than within.
We are at a point in time when, more than ever, all of us in positions of influence and authority across Europe – Governments, the European Commission, leaders of business, the workforce, the community and civil society – must demonstrate the importance, and value, of the European Union to the citizens of Europe.
It is fitting, therefore, that the relaunched Lisbon Agenda puts the spotlight, in particular, on growth and jobs. For our part, the overall policy framework in Ireland is shaped by the Agreed Programme for Government. And while maintaining strong economic performance and employment levels are crucial goals, they must be achieved in tandem with social equity, and in a sustainable environment.
Thanks to steady implementation of the Government programme, Ireland is performing well on many of the key Lisbon indicators. For example, we now have the lowest level of unemployment in the European Union, the second lowest national debt, and the highest level of investment in infrastructure.
But success cannot be allowed to turn into complacency. Work remains to be done, in areas such as continuing to tackle the infrastructure deficit and improving our Research and Development capacity. And we are fully aware of how quickly, in this global economy, things can change. Therefore, we continue to implement policies to manage the Irish economy prudently, to maintain a stable macroeconomic environment, to sustain the public finances and to manage inflation levels.
This National Reform Programme also sets out the work we are doing in areas such as regulatory reform, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, including in the SME sector., and supporting social inclusion and sustainable development.
Since 1987, the social partnership process has helped to transform the economic and social landscape in Ireland. The current three-year agreement, covering not only business and trade unions, but also the farming organisations, and the community and voluntary sector, runs until December 2005. This National Reform Programme reflects the terms of that agreement and points towards the pending negotiations on a new agreement. It will be adapted as necessary to reflect new policies or measures agreed upon.
I, and my Government, remain fully committed to the Lisbon Agenda. I am confident that, with all twenty-five Member States working together, alive to the competitive threat from beyond the European Union while taking account of particular national circumstances, we can achieve the Lisbon goals which are so important for the people of Europe.
Bertie Ahern T.D.
Taoiseach
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