Taoiseach's Speeches Archive 2004
Last Wednesday was an important day in the politics of Northern Ireland and I wish to take the opportunity this afternoon to explain why this was so and why it is my belief that we have reached the final, and admittedly difficult and frustrating, phase of our peace process.
I am delighted to be in the Limerick and Shannon region today for a number of important engagements. Following the turning of the sod for this combined heat and power plant, I will be opening both the new national broadband management entity in Roxboro and a new bridge on campus at the University of Limerick. Later, I will address the Shannon Chamber of Commerce Business Symposium on the exciting future prospects for the region.
Signature of the European Constitution is a crucial step forward in the development of our Union. It is fitting that it should take place here, in the ancient heart of this magnificent city and in this beautiful building where our visionary predecessors gathered half-a-century ago.
Tomorrow in Rome, together with the other Heads of State or Government of the EU, I will sign the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. The European Constitution will be signed in the same room in which, fifty years ago, six European countries signed the original Treaty of Rome.
I am very glad to be here today to launch the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is a very significant milestone. It shows clearly our intention to put a programme of action in place to support and reinforce equal participation in society by people with disabilities. Importantly, it also honours the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a Disability Bill.
I want to thank Ambassador Vladimir Rakhmanin and his colleagues for their help in arranging for me to come here today to the Russian Embassy to sign the book of condolence for the victims of the Beslan Tragedy.
I am delighted to be here this morning to officially open the new Fab 24 plant here in Leixlip. This is a very special day for all of you at Intel - for the many staff who have trained specially to work in Fab 24; for the construction workers who delivered such a high specification plant on time and within budget; and for the management who have guided this development. Today also represents an important day for Ireland as Intel is a cornerstone of our economy
I am delighted to be here with you all again today at the IMI Management Conference.
I am pleased to be here today to contribute to this important debate.Let me start off by identifying the issue upon which there is apparent agreement. There is clear and systematic abuse of Ireland’s constitutional right to citizenship. This is a problem. What we need to do - in a rational way is to identify a solution to this problem. That is what this referendum is about. It is obvious that citizenship is a fundamental aspect of our political system. But citizenship is not only concerned with rights. It is also about duties and responsibilities. It is about the relationship between the State and its citizens and the duties of citizens toward other citizens. Abuse can devalue our sense of citizenship. And this we need to prevent.
A Cheann Comhairle,I move the Government Amendment.With your agreement, a Cheann Comhairle, I wish to share my time with Minister John O’Donoghue and Minister Mary Coughlan.