Previous Mos Tom Kitt's Speeches
As Minister with responsibility for eGovernment there is no doubt in my mind that technology has a significant role to play in tackling exclusion, in improving people’s quality of life, in improving economic performance generally, and in promoting greater social engagement and participation.
The concept of an Ombudsman is in some respects central to our modern understanding of citizenship. The institution of Ombudsman denotes not just fairness and the opportunity of righting a wrong, but it reflects a particular view of the rights of the individual relative to the State or to particular institutions which have the capacity to exercise great power over our lives.
The Right Honourable Mr. John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia, will pay an official visit to Ireland from 20-24 May, 2006. The Government propose that, during his visit, he should be invited to address the Dáil. This courtesy is one which the Dáil extends from time to time to visiting Heads of Government of countries with which Ireland has particularly close ties. Australia is certainly one such country.
Mobhaile helps to build ICT capacity in the C&V (Community & Voluntary) sector - by helping community groups to set themselves up online in the first instance - and then giving them the wherewithall to communicate with their own members – along with other interested parties and citizens - using websites, hosted intranets, secure e-mail and SMS gateways
Ireland is seen by many as the leader in products and services – let us continue to work on that perception – to grasp the opportunity – and to exploit our reputation – our expertise – our scale – and our innate creative abilities – to seize the opportunity and establish ourselves as leaders in the vital area of trust and security.
Thank you very much for your generous welcome. In particular, I would like to thank the hosts of this prestigious event - The Systems Research Group, in University College Dublin – and, indeed, all the corporate partners that have made this event possible.
Ceann Comhairle. I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this important strategically vital issue. As Minister Dempsey has pointed out, this motion has given the Government a valuable opportunity to set out comprehensively the range of initiatives taken by this Government to drive forward the renewable energy agenda.
A key focus of Enterprise Irelands strategy is to help and support the development of a seed bed of new vibrant indigenous enterprises built on successfully harnessing the creativity and innovation of home grown entrepreneurs. Developing knowledge intensive industries and innovative products are critical to Ireland's future as we strive to build export sales.
I welcome the opportunity to respond to the debate on this very important subject. The Government recognize that recent events such as the Irish Ferries dispute have caused people to become concerned that there might be some link between that dispute and the attempt by the European Union to create a single market in services. I wish to emphasize, yet again, on behalf of the Government that there isn’t. The Services Directive would not permit social dumping or the exploitation of workers. And it would not be supported by the Government if it did.
By coming together with other public servants from the two jurisdictions – you will have an added dimension to your education – a dimension that cannot be acquired in texts or lectures – a dimension that will add tremendous value to the experience of doing the degree. You will network with people who have a different perspective on similar problems – you will build lasting friendships and networks of support – and you will enhance your own understanding of the nature of public service – and what it means in the 21st century.