Government Press Releases 2004
The Prime Minister and I have come here this afternoon with real purpose.We could have issued our proposals without travelling to Belfast.But we have come here because we feel obliged to give full expression and to lend the full weight of our political support for these proposals.
On 19th July last, the Minister for Finance announced a new schedule of fees for barristers in Tribunals and Inquiries. That schedule will apply to any new Tribunal or Inquiry which is established after 1st September 2004.
The Government today welcomed the announcement by the President-designate of the European Commission, Mr. José Manuel Durao Barroso, of the allocation of portfolios in the new European Commission which will take office on 1 November.
The Government has considered the Final Report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women’s Rights on the Report of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings.
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for the Information Society, Mary Hanafin TD, today (Thursday, July 15th, 2004) officially launched ‘eCabinet’ - an initiative that transforms the way in which Cabinet business is prepared and processed – and supports a quicker pace of conducting Government business.
Our discussions today with the Northern Ireland parties were guided by two fundamental objectives: the need to see an end now to all forms of paramilitary activity; and the imperative of restoring as soon as possible a stable and inclusive partnership government in Northern Ireland.
It is vital to maintain the momentum of the Northern Ireland political process.We are determined to create the conditions for the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland on a stable and durable basis.
Both Governments have discussed the proposed amendment to Article 9 of the Constitution of Ireland in the context of the British Irish Agreement of April 1998. In this regard, both Governments have agreed the attached “Interpretative Declaration”.
St. Patrick's Day is a uniquely global event. For a number of days each year St Patrick’s Day generates a distinct focus on Ireland. In deciding on Ministerial travel commitments for St. Patrick’s Day, the Government sought to ensure that we used this opportunity to promote Ireland as a business and tourism destination. In considering attendance by Ministers at St. Patrick’s Day functions overseas, it has also been necessary to take account of EU Presidency related commitments during the period this year.