Ruairí Quinn
Question:3 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent Partnership 2000 quarterly review meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10548/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Partnership 2000.
The fifth plenary review meeting on Partnership 2000 took place on 27 April. It was chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and focused on the following two themes: enterprise, jobs and small business, and rural exclusion and action to develop agriculture, food and forestry. A comprehensive exchange of views took place on each of these themes from both short-term and long-term perspectives. It was agreed at the meeting that the next plenary review will take place towards the end of July and will focus on the themes of social inclusion and modernising the public service.
On the implementation of Partnership 2000 generally, impressive progress has been made so far, as is clear from the latest progress report which has been laid before the House. Partnership 2000, like its predecessors, has produced very significant benefits in both economic and social terms. These benefits certainly can be sustained, provided there continues to be a disciplined adherence to the agreed terms. For our part, the Government will remain firmly focused on implementing fully all commitments, thereby paving the way towards a successor partnership agreement early in the new millennium.
Has the Government considered broadening participation in the debate on plenary reports and meetings? Bearing in mind the apparently increasing opposition in some quarters to Partnership 2000, will the Taoiseach agree it is necessary to deepen consensus and that that will be done only by widening participation? Does he consider it is useful that reports of quarterly reviews are debated in the House or alternatively by the NESF? Will he agree publication of reports should be more widespread because of the distance between ordinary rank and file members, particularly among trade unions who have displayed a hesitancy about their future commitment to Partnership 2000, so that they would be involved in the process in a way that previously has not been the case?
About a month ago I agreed that these reports would be published and laid before the House. I am not against debate of the matter in the House. There would be greater focus on the matter if the debate took place here and it would be better in terms of access to it by the public and the media. In regard to achievements, I take Deputy Quinn's point. Many people consider the bottom line all the time. A huge amount has been achieved each year for the past ten years under the four programmes, much more so than other countries that have not followed such programmes. Some of the countries who moved away from such programmes are returning to them.
I hope to attend the full plenary session next month or the month after and to address some of these issues directly with the social partners. I have met them individually and in groups during the last nine or ten months but I hope to talk to all the partners to see what progress can be made to assist the programme as it reaches its halfway stage.