Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:13 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]
Written Answers. - 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 it 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 the 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, an impressive amount of progress has been made so far. The agreement, like its predecessors, has produced very significant benefits in economic and social terms. These benefits can certainly be sustained, provided that 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.