A Dhaoine Uaisle,
Is mór an onóir dom a bheith anseo inniu in éineacht le Patricia O’Donovan, Stiúrthóir Feidhmeach na hEagraíochta Saothair Idirnáisiúnta (ILO), le seoladh oifigiúil a dhéanamh, ar na Edward Phelan Memoirs.
Is dóigh liom go bhfuil sé ceart a rá gur clochmhíle é an tráthnóna seo sa chaidreamh atá ag neartú idir Éirinn agus an ILO – caidreamh a bhfuil forbairt agus fás tagtha air le deicheanna de bhlianta, agus a bhuíochas sin do státseirbhísigh breátha mar Edward Phelan.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to be here this evening with Patricia O’ Donovan, Executive Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to officially launch the Edward Phelan Memoirs. I am very grateful to Kieran Mulvey and his colleagues in the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for kindly hosting this event.
I am especially delighted to welcome Patricia and the delegation from the ILO in Geneva. Patricia – I know that in a previous life you held the position of Deputy General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I’m sure that this event will provide you with a welcome opportunity to catch up with old friends and colleagues.
Contribution of Edward Phelan to the evolution of the ILO
Edward Phelan’s life story is fascinating, not just because of his links to Ireland. It is the story of a man of great personal courage, professionalism and dedication to public service. Edward has left a lasting legacy with the International Labour Organisation, which is celebrated in the publication being launched this evening.
This evening also provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the ILO, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. One of the motivating forces for the foundation and constitution of the ILO in 1919 was the social and political upheaval that followed in the wake of the First World War. Similarly, shifts in the international political balance of power after the Second World War proved deciding factors in expanding the aims of the ILO from 1945 on. Edward Phelan made his lasting contribution at both critical historic junctures – helping to shape the ILO’s mission and its evolution into a global organisation.
One of the ILO’s key achievements over the last 90 years has been the creation of an extensive international labour code – unparalleled in any other area at the international level. To date, it includes some 188 Conventions and 199 Recommendations. The code has made an enormous contribution to the development of employment rights, social policy and equal opportunities at EU level and across the globe.
Ireland and the ILO
This evening also provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge the strong links between Ireland and the ILO. This is a relationship that has developed and prospered over many decades, supported by the contribution of distinguished public servants like Edward Phelan.
Many are probably not aware that the ILO was the first international organisation, which our fledgling State joined in 1923. Ireland’s close engagement with the ILO continues today through Irish Aid support for ILO programmes across the developing world.
I am particularly pleased that ICTU and IBEC have supported and contributed to the design of, Irish Aid’s Partnership Programme with the ILO.
Irish Aid support to the ILO focuses on the most vulnerable in developing countries, those often living at the margins of society with little opportunity for economic advancement. For example, the ILO-Irish Aid Partnership Programme provides support to encourage the employment of people with disabilities. Irish Aid also supports the ILO in tackling two major global scourges: forced labour and child labour.
The support provided by Irish Aid to the ILO in developing countries is, in real and practical terms, helping to further Edward Phelan’s vision of a just world with equal opportunities. I believe this solidarity with, and support to, the poor and disadvantaged in our world is a fitting tribute to his memory.
The ILO – Partnership at Work
Edward Phelan is credited with developing the concept of tripartism which is the cornerstone of the ILO.
Indeed, the ILO is still the only worldwide organisation where international cooperation is the business not only of diplomats and government representatives, but also of the representatives of employers and workers.
There are clear parallels between the unique tripartite structure of the ILO and Ireland’s model of Social Partnership, which has played an important, if not pivotal, role in our economic, social and political development over the last twenty-two years.
The strengths of Ireland’s Social Partnership model are that it is long-term in its focus and involves:
• A common analysis of the challenges confronting our economy and our society;
• A collective engagement by the key actors in society on the identification of economic and social priorities and the difficult policy choices that that implies; and
• The development of agreed approaches to what are very often particularly complex and intractable problems.
Above all, though, partnership is a collective investment in our futures for our mutual gain. Partnership is about putting our shared goals ahead of short-term sectional interests.
It is a process that has been tested many times over the years and never more so than now as we seek to get to grips with unprecedented fiscal, economic and social challenges. But it could be argued that this is exactly the kind of situation that can benefit most from a partnership perspective. Certainly that is my belief. And that is why we in Government are committed to pursuing an agreed approach with the social partners on a National Recovery Programme.
I know that the current talks are hugely difficult and that a successful outcome is far from certain. They are complicated by the fact that the usual trade-offs which have been features of such negotiations are no longer possible. But, that said, the overall prize – in terms of an integrated response to the current crisis with all of the benefits that could flow from that – is, I believe, no less great.
Conclusion
To conclude, this book highlights the important role that Edward Phelan played during what was a momentous period in European and world history. His commitment to tripartism and social justice is an inspiration to us all as we seek to chart our way through these turbulent and uncertain times.
I am delighted to formally launch “Edward Phelan and the ILO: The Life and Views of an international Social Actor”.
ENDS