“Europe Must Quicken the Pace of Reform” - Taoiseach calls for the EU to give increased focus to Growth and Employment
The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., has written to his European Union colleagues calling for a focused approach to next years Spring Economic Council. The Taoiseach also sent a short Paper outlining the key areas that Ireland intends to focus on at the European Council.
The twin priorities of growth and employment will be the main focus of our Presidency. Europe has made significant progress in implementing the reforms necessary to become the worlds most competitive and dynamic economy. There are now positive signs that the international economy is on the upturn. If we are to reap the maximum benefits from this recovery, we must urgently press ahead with implementing further reforms, the Taoiseach said today.
Europe must quicken the pace of reform. During our Presidency we will give new impetus to achieving the reform goals that were set at the Lisbon Council in 2000.
As leaders, we must give clear messages both about what we have achieved, and more importantly about what now remains to be done.
The Taoiseach emphasised the importance of social dialogue in achieving these reform goals. He said:
Ireland has demonstrated the advantages of social dialogue as a means of encouraging economic growth, through the Partnership model, and I believe that this area is one that we can try to encourage at European level for the benefit of all European citizens.