John Bruton
Question:21 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the plenary meeting of Partnership 2000 held on 27 April 1999. [11352/99]
Written Answers. - Partnership 2000.
John Bruton
Question:22 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the schedule of future meetings of the Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Employment and Unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the group's work programme. [11519/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:23 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the issues discussed and the conclusions reached at the meeting on 27 April 1999 of the Central Review Committee of Partnership 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11523/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Question:24 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on his speech to the IMI conference in Killarney on 23 April 1999. [11527/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 to 24, inclusive, together.
My address to the IMI national conference was focused mainly on the need to upgrade our infrastructure, especially through the next National Development Plan; the importance of Research and Development investment in the information age; and the need to continue development of the social partnership model – at both the national and workplace levels – to meet the challenges of the new millennium.
At the most recent plenary meeting of Partnership 2000, these and other topics were explored under the broad themes of Enterprise, Jobs and Small Business and Modernising the Public Service. Among the key issues raised by the social partners were: (i) the need to address skills shortages and planning bottlenecks in order to facilitate the delivery of major projects; (ii) the desirability of further consultations before finalisation of the National Development Plan; (iii) the need for a more co-ordinated and fully integrated approach to promoting life-long learning; and (iv) the need to press ahead with regulatory reform.
On planning bottlenecks, the meeting noted the priority being given to the preparation of a Consolidated Planning Bill and the assignment of additional staff to An Bórd Pleanála. On skills shortages, the recent announcement of 5,400 extra high technology places and the launch of the FIT initiative were welcomed.
Regarding the National Development Plan, the meeting was advised of my intention, as I stated in my IMI address, to consult with the social partners over the coming weeks so that finalisation of the plan will reflect a broad agreement about the development needs of the economy and, in so doing, provide a further boost to the social partnership process. To that end, meetings with each of the four pillars, involving the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance and myself, are being arranged at present.
On regulatory reform, the meeting was informed that, as I indicated to the House last week, I expect to be in a position to put detailed proposals to my colleagues in Government in the near future.
In response to Deputy Bruton's question on the Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Employment and Unemployment, the Departments concerned have been meeting with the social partners. Arising from this, a standing committee, under the chairmanship of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has been formed. Its main purpose is to consider, in consultation with the social partners, the extent to which active labour market measures under the present agreement have had a special focus on the long-term unemployed, particularly those who are 35 years of age, or over.
The most recent meeting of the standing committee took place on 27 April and a further two meetings are planned for 17 May and 9 June. The next meeting of the Interdepartmental Strategy Group on Employment and Unemployment will take place later this month.