Taoiseach's Speeches Archive 1997
There are two main features of our economic policy - keeping strict discipline in our national finances and reducing the burden of personal and corporate taxation. That is the message we put before the people in the General Election, that is the message we wrote into our Government Action Programme for the Millennium, and that is what we will deliver in Budget '97, and succeeding budgets.
I deeply regret the reasons for his resignation and the pain and anguish caused to Anne, his family and friends. It is an indictment of those involved in forcing him to this pass, that they clamoured for his resignation without giving him the proper opportunity of proving his case before a properly constituted Tribunal or otherwise.
It is a great achievement to bring together, in this single location, the ultimate "one-stop-shop"; of information and advice, for any person interested in small business. In doing so, you have made it possible for new businesses to meet with all the key players who advise and assist with start-up or developing businesses. Now, they can answer all their needs by means of a single visit, to a single location, over the next three days.
I utterly condemn those responsible for the bombing in Armagh today. Thankfully nobody was killed or injured. These acts will not deter the Government
A successful enterprise employing 50 people and with an annual turnover of £1.8m, with one-third of all sales being exported, does not happen overnight. Since that fateful day back in 1987, in Connie Doody's kitchen, there have been ten years of really hard work. I think that Lir Chocolates have a real winner with this new range of quality chocolates - Inspirational women chocolates - and I wish it every success. Everyone at Lir can be immensely proud of your brilliant success over the past ten years, and the style and sophistication of this new range.
The Presidency of Uachtaráin Mary Robinson was special in many ways. The Faithful Light in the window, the Presidential visits to the US, Australia and India, her address to the Houses of the Oireachtas, her high-profile visit to Somalia, her journeys to Belfast, Warrington and Buckingham Palace, are just some of the highlights of a Presidency which was an outstanding contribution to the nation, at home and abroad.
The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., today affirmed the Government's commitment to modernising the Civil Service and to giving a better service to the public as customers and clients at all levels. At the first meeting of the new Group charged with implementing a range of far-reaching measures for change he told top civil servants that "the framework for change is in place and it is time for the public and civil servants alike to see results from modernisation on the ground and to enjoy the benefits that will follow".
Honesty and truthfulness and integrity are fundamental requirements of those who serve in public life and who hold positions of great trust. All of us are deeply dismayed at the way in which in certain instances investigated by the Tribunal there has been a falling so far short of these ideals in an indefensible and disgraceful manner. The Government welcome and will study further the recommendations of the Report, with a view to their full and speedy implementation. It may indeed be necessary in certain instances to go beyond them.
The next phase of our history must be a purely peaceful one. No positive Republican ideal can be realised except by democratic means. The Irish Government will work closely with the British Government and with all willing parties to achieve through inclusive and substantive talks beginning in September a durable and balance political settlement that does justice to the people of all political traditions in Ireland.