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Taoiseach €10m investment and 100 jobs to reinforce Dundalk's economic growth
Opening of the Dundalk Ice Dome
Budget 2006
Speech by the Taoiseach to mark World AIDS Day 2006.
Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D. to the European Parliament on 29 November, 2006
Taoiseach's Comments on Joint Oireachtas Report on Dundalk Bombings
Taoiseach’s Address to The European Parliament
Switching on of the Christmas Tree Lights in Omni Park Shopping Centre, Santry

Saturday, 09 December 2006
Taoiseach €10m investment and 100 jobs to reinforce Dundalk's economic growth
In Dundalk today, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: “the announcement of a major €10 million investment by Smarthomes, confirms the continued economic growth of Dundalk and Louth. The investment will also bring about the welcome creation of 100 jobs for the people of Dundalk.

“Today's job announcement and the official opening of Smarthomes new facility is tremendous news for Dundalk. The success of Smarthomes, and of other Irish entrepreneurial companies, is a foundation stone of Ireland's remarkable economic performance over the last 10 years.

“In Government we have consistently targeted young Irish entrepreneurs and encouraged them to be a driving force in Ireland's future success. Smarthomes are a prime example of what can be achieved through ambition and commitment, backed up with the support they need from Government. This week's Budget has again strengthened our commitment to small business and will hopefully help other companies in Dundalk realise their potential over the coming years.

“Over the last decade, Dundalk has been transformed and it is important that we continue that progress and safeguard a brighter future for generations to come. Investment is ongoing to make this a reality particularly in the provision of the infrastructure that will allow further economic growth throughout Louth and the Border region.”

Saturday, 09 December 2006
Opening of the Dundalk Ice Dome
As a Gateway town, Dundalk occupies a strategic location midway between the two major cities of Dublin and Belfast. I am delighted to be back here today to officially open this spectacular new Ice Dome.

This is a hugely exciting development for Dundalk which is now home to the first indoor Olympic size ice-rink in this country. Many congratulations are due to Finnabair Estates Limited for bringing this major €6m project to fruition.

I am very impressed by the overall scale of development that is taking place at this site which includes the JJB Soccerdome and Fitness Club along with the retail park.

And it is particularly welcome that these developments have taken place in a RAPID area. This is a major vote of confidence in the future potential of the immediate area as well as Dundalk as a whole.

The facilities at the new Ice Dome will add to other recent developments in the town such as the new racetrack, municipal swimming pool and 10-pin bowling alley. With even more development planned, it is fair to say that Dundalk is well on its way to achieving its ambition of becoming the leisure and entertainment capital of Ireland.

The Ice Dome is, of course, a major attraction in its own right and it is one that has been warmly received by the local council and community alike.

I know that between 20 and 25 jobs have been created here and these will be of tremendous benefit to the local area.

This 220,000 square foot ice-skating development has been leased by B.K.G.

Ice Rinks & Leisure Limited with the backing of the Irish Ice Hockey Association (IIHA).

Of course, the IIHA are rightfully proud that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has decided to host the 2007 World Championships, Division 3 here at the Ice Dome. Due to take place next April, the competition will be organised by the IIHA and involve Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Luxembourg, Armenia and Mongolia. I am sure you are all looking forward to seeing one of the fastest team games in the world being played at international level here in this marvellous new 1400 seater venue.

Even though we have an all-island team, ice hockey is a game that has not had much opportunity to develop in this country so far. I have a feeling that all of that is about to change with the Ice Dome becoming the national centre of excellence for the sport and the rolling-out of the Learn to Play Programme. This programme teaches children the ice hockey basics of skating, stick-handling and shooting. I understand that professional coaches and officials will be on hand to teach the game, organise league play and host international tournaments.

This will provide a great opportunity to the children from this part of the country to have fun, participate in a team sport and keep fit at the same time.

The Schools Programme that is being put in place for the Ice Dome following a recent meeting with School Principals from the region is also a welcome development.

But of course the Ice Dome is a facility that will have something to offer the whole community. As well as ice hockey leagues, there will be recreational skating, learn to skate sessions, figure skating, kiddies parties, corporate events and bumper cars on ice. And I gather that the Ice Dome will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Santa and his grotto.

Clearly, making ice for a rink of this size is no easy task and I would like to commend the developers who have installed an Eco Pack here. This will reduce harmful emissions from the Ice Dome's system by 40%. The heat generated by the system will produce the ice required and also operate the heating.

I am sure that the Ice Dome will be a major success on all fronts. No doubt this facility will reap the benefits of the recently completed M1 from Dublin which has significantly enhanced access to Dundalk. The upgrade of the road to Newry is also due for completion next year.

It is great to see Dundalk coming on so well. We can look forward to the continued economic and social development of this town which is designated as a Gateway under the National Spatial Strategy. The forthcoming National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 will strongly support the delivery of the National Spatial Strategy, particularly the development of the Gateways, so that we can ensure balanced regional development.

The opening of this new facility is a momentous occasion for Dundalk and I would like to thank Sam Curran for his kind invitation here today. Well done to everyone involved in this project and I hope you all have many happy hours of skating at the Ice Dome.

Thursday, 7 December, 2006
Budget 2006
This Budget is designed to sustain the strength of the Irish economy over the next few years, as well as making a further substantial contribution to a fairer and more socially friendly Ireland.

We are living in the midst of an astonishing period of national development. We are at last bringing about the realisation of the immense potential in the land and people of Ireland that generations of patriots hoped for and dreamed of, but which sadly they never lived to see.

This is a Budget of commitments - meeting them and making them. It is a Budget for workers, enterprise, pensioners and family.

Over the past 20 years, employment will have virtually doubled to well over 2 million people. Involuntary emigration is a thing of the past, while instead fellow-EU citizens and some people of other nationalities have come to make their indispensable contribution to our economic life. We continue to have consistently the highest growth rate in the Eurozone. Inflation has been held to low single figures, in line with the rest of Europe, despite much higher growth rates, and well controlled with the help of the social partners. From being one of the least healthy countries financially, our national debt relative to national income, after taking account of the national pension fund reserve, will be brought down to under 15% of GDP next year.

The Budget is an entirely responsible one, designed not to overheat the economy and to give us a substantial safety margin, if the existing environment should disimprove. External conditions permitting, uninterrupted momentum can be maintained through next year and beyond, provided our broad strategy is adhered to.

Yesterday's Budget from Minister Brian Cowen marks not just another milestone towards substantial reform and development, but it is, in key respects, the culmination of the coherent strategy of a series of Budgets over recent years.

Inevitably, public attention has concentrated on some of the specific measures announced in the Budget. While these are important and worthy of comment, I want to focus this morning on the bigger picture; on the results which our overall budgetary strategy is producing and on the foundation which has been laid for further sustained progress in the years ahead.

I want to emphasise the extent to which I have always seen my Government's strategy as being at the service of our people. At the service of those who are working hard to raise their families and create the best possible future for their children. Of our entrepreneurs, who are building world-class businesses in the face of stiff world competition. Of our older people, who have seen far too many days of long struggle and hardship in the past and who now deserve comfort in their retirement. Of our vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens, who badly need our support, if they are to live with dignity.

There is no Government presumption in this. We know that the consistently good revenue performance of recent times is due to the new investment made in world-class projects, in small and developing businesses, in professional and business services, in tourism ventures and in farm and agri-business across the country. It is due also to the hard work, flexibility and skill of the now more than 2 million people at work in this State. But we also know that their efforts, and those investment decisions, need the right policy framework. The responsibility lies with Government to create that environment, through our economic policies, our budgetary arrangements, our approach to flexible and smart regulation and through our willingness to listen and respond. It is for Government to provide confidence in the future and in our capacity as a country to manage the relentless change sweeping the global economy.

Far from believing that we know everything, this Government has been at pains to listen and to take on board what we hear. We listen to those struggling to compete in world markets. We listen to international investors who have options to locate major projects almost anywhere in the world. We listen to our universities and international research experts about how to create a new platform for knowledge-based activity. We listen to technical experts and project managers about how to get better value in our massive commitment to infrastructural improvement.

We listen in particular to the social partners. Earlier this year, we concluded a ground-breaking 10-year framework agreement with the social partners. We have continued and deepened the partnership process as the most effective way of marshalling all of our resources, for the benefit of all our people. This Government knows what is required to sustain and develop this approach, which is the envy of governments and societies around the world, large and small, because they understand the critical part it has played in the Irish success story.

If there is arrogance in the Irish political system, it rests with those who think that democratic Government has to be some sort of merry-go-round, where parties have an automatic entitlement to take their turn at the levers of Government at regular intervals. Democracy does not involve any such entitlement that is not earned. I believe that the people deserve the best in terms of reliable and experienced leadership, capacity and hard work. In this Budget, the Government have shown again why we merit the people's continuing confidence in our commitment and in our capacity to serve them.

In framing his Budget, the Minister has been aiming for an outturn which would sustain the strong performance of the economy, continue on the path of fiscal sustainability and increase the impact of positive redistribution on those in need. The remarkably strong revenue performance in the current year has led some Members opposite to make extraordinary claims.

On the one hand, they have argued that our strong performance showed that taxes should be lower, that the Government did not need the money because public spending was high enough and could be funded through lower taxes. On the other hand, they argue that there should be higher public spending, because the resources are now available for an unlimited spending spree, except, of course, that it would be irresponsible of the Minister to embark on such a pre-election splurge.

These contradictory statements are sometimes expressed back-to-back by the same Opposition politicians. Some, who definitely know better, choose to ignore altogether the economic effects of fiscal policy on inflation and competitiveness, as if the only issue that mattered was balancing the books by spending up to the limit.

Happily, we have a Minister for Finance, and a Government, that have a fine record of delivering what the economy requires, both in the present and for the future.

A targeted general Government surplus of 1.2%, a forecast debt ratio of 23%, an increase in gross current spending of 11.5%, and an increase of 13% in gross capital spending are budgetary parameters which are the envy of Europe, and indeed further afield. They represent a fiscal path which will underpin the future strong performance of the economy and sustain progressive real improvements in incomes and living standards, which the Government is committed to achieve in our agreement with the social partners, Towards 2016.

The Budget continues the strategy of investing around 5% of our GNP in developing and modernising our infrastructure. Since 1997, and by the end of this year, 400 kilometres of motorway and dual carriageway will have been completed and opened. Our public transport system is being transformed, through investment in buses, rail and Luas. We are doing in half a generation what other societies implemented over decades.

The National Development Plan, which the Government will publish in January, will chart the way to fulfil our ambition to have a world-class infrastructure appropriate to our needs and developed in a timely and cost-effective way.

This Budget is not just about building for the future through responsible fiscal policies and ambitious investment programmes, important as they are. On the contrary, it is equally about dealing with our current needs. I want to stress four key features of the Budget in that regard:

- first, it completes a transition to a more equitable tax and welfare system;
- secondly, it maintains and deepens our strategy to reward work and enterprise;
- thirdly, it provides real support for families with particular needs at critical stages of the lifecycle; and
- fourthly, it provides incentives to deepen our competitiveness on a sustainable basis.

I take particular satisfaction that the Government, in this Budget, is achieving, and indeed exceeding in many cases, the targets which we set to attain, a better standard of adequacy in the social welfare payments for the most vulnerable people in our society. The full year cost of the measures announced yesterday is a record €1.4bn, and is, in itself, a demonstration of our commitment to the less well-off in our society.

The Government had committed to increase the old-age pension to at least €200 per week and, in this Budget, we have more than delivered on that commitment. Indeed, by increasing the non-contributory pension by €18 per week, we are doing this, not just for recipients of contributory old-age pensions - who will in fact now receive €209 per week - but also for non-contributory pensioners.

We also committed to increasing significantly the lower rates of social welfare, and we agreed with the social partners a target to be achieved by 2007. In this Budget, we are completing the transition to this substantially better income support for the most vulnerable in our society by increasing these rates by an unprecedented €20 per week.

This means that these lowest rates have increased by over €50 a week in the last three Budgets.

A particularly important measure in promoting social and gender equity is the decision announced yesterday to achieve, over three Budgets, the transformation of the current qualified adult allowance for the dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners into a full pension of equal value and paid in their own right. This new entitlement recognises particularly the role of those women who, because of social conditions in the past, did not have the opportunity to qualify for a social welfare pension in their own right, but who made a major contribution in their families and communities. This is proper recognition of the role and entitlements of a most deserving group in our society.

The balanced nature of this Budget package is also reflected in the tax provisions. Through the increases in personal tax credits of €130 for single people and twice that for married couples, and the increase of €270 in the Employee Tax Credit, we are continuing to ensure that those earning at the increased minimum wage level remain completely outside the tax net. That means that nearly 40% of earners are protected from having to pay any tax, compared to 25% of earners back in 1997. This significant achievement, despite the further increases in the rate of the National Minimum Wage which was introduced by this Government, will cost €657 million in a full year. In addition, the entry point for payment of employee's PRSI is being increased, as is the threshold for payment of the health levy. These are evidence of our commitment to maintaining a very low tax environment for those on low earnings. It has long been acknowledged by the European Commission that we have the most favourable tax conditions for the low paid, which are incentives to take up work.

By increasing the standard rate income tax band by €2,000 per year for single workers and pro rata for married earners, the Government are ensuring that those earning the average industrial wage in 2007, estimated at just over €33,000, will not be liable to pay any tax at the higher rate. Accordingly, 80% of income earners will continue to pay an effective tax rate of no more than 20%, in line with our commitments in social partnership and our Programme for Government.

In reducing the higher rate of tax by 1%, but increasing the health levy by one-half of 1% for those earning in excess of €100,000 per annum, the Government is both honouring its commitments in the context of strong economic performance and recognising the importance that those who can do so, make an appropriate contribution to the cost of caring for our older citizens and others in need of our support. It contributes to the balanced and well-judged character of the Budget in achieving equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Turning to our strategy to reward work and enterprise, I would highlight again the critical importance of maintaining tax and welfare systems which reward effort and enterprise. This is particularly important when we have made such progress in achieving our goals of improved adequacy of income support for those not currently in employment. Such incentives must be substantially overhauled, if higher income supports are not to turn into a poverty trap.

The substantial resources applied to exempting those on the minimum wage from the tax net, and ensuring that those on average earnings do not face the higher rate of tax are very effective in achieving precisely this result. The strong employment performance reflected in last week's Household Survey figures, showing employment growing here at twice the rate in the rest of Europe and especially strongly for women, provide clear evidence of the continuing success of the Government's strategy in that regard.

There is one aspect of the social welfare package which I would particularly wish to mention in this context. It is the decision to abolish the waiting time for the Back-to-Education Allowance in the case of workers made redundant and who qualify for statutory redundancy and social welfare payments. This may not impact on very many individuals, but, for those who do face the very difficult experience of being made redundant, we are in this measure providing a direct support for the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. It is entirely right that we should support individuals who make the effort to improve their own employability in the face of difficult employment experiences. By increasing the incentives for investment in seed capital and venture capital targeted at small business, the Government is also increasing the availability of finance to those who take the initiative to establish their own businesses. The dynamism of the small business sector, but especially the willingness of people to establish new ventures, is a critical test of the strength of any economy. We are fortunate in having many who are willing to invest their time, talent and energy and, above all, to take risks in putting their ideas into practice in the market.

With regard to support for families at critical stages of the lifecycle, the Budget shows real flair and commitment. This Budget is good for all families. For those with child-rearing responsibilities, the further increase in child benefit of €10 per month, the significant increase in Child Dependant Allowance for families in receipt of social welfare payments, and the doubling of the Back to School Allowance represent important practical support for the costs of child-rearing. The increase in the rate of Maternity Benefit, in the reckonable earnings threshold for payment of that benefit, and the increase in the duration of both paid and unpaid maternity leave by four weeks each, represent significant improvements for women at a particularly challenging time in the balancing of work and family commitments, and important social progress for society as a whole. I am particularly proud of the improvements which are being made in the supports available to those with caring responsibilities within families. In addition to increases in the level of payment of the Carers’ Allowance and the increase in the Respite Care Grant, the Minister is introducing an entitlement for recipients of other social welfare payments to be paid a half-rate Carers’ Allowance in appropriate caring circumstances. This is a major innovation which will redress what many had come to see as a serious anomaly. It will recognise and support the invaluable work done by many people around the country who have assumed great burdens in enabling older people and people with severe disabilities to remain in their own home and community, and it will be rightly welcomed for that reason.

Another critically important issue facing many families around the country is the need to care for those with disabilities. Last month, the Minister for Finance provided an increase of 10% in planned spending on disability-related services in 2007. This has been increased in the Budget by a further €100 million in support of residential, respite and day places, as well as the centrepiece of our new National Disability Strategy, the independent assessment of need and the provision of service statements, commencing with children under five from 1st June next. It also enables substantial progress to be made in implementing our commitment to improved mental health services, set out in A Vision for Change.

For those families with caring responsibilities in respect of older persons, there is the important provision of €255 million in full year terms to enable a total of over 5,000 comprehensive home care packages to be offered to older people and their carers, to enable them to stay in their own homes. There will be increased provision of residential care places and improvements in the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme, which the Minister for Health and Children will announce next week.

We will provide assurance to older people and their families in this country about the availability of care, the standard of care and the cost of care. With a further €40 million provided in the Budget for improved health and personal social services, total spending on health will reach almost €15 billion next year and provide real supports for families and individuals across the whole spectrum of need for health and social care. In that context, the increase in charges for private beds in public teaching hospitals and the small increase in excise duty on cigarettes are entirely reasonable provisions.

Finally, in regard to the needs of families at different stages of the lifecycle, I want to refer to the very important support now being given to first-time buyers. The doubling of mortgage interest relief provides real and valuable support for those who are currently facing the financial pressure of mortgages taken out on first homes over the past seven years, as well as those who are about to take on that responsibility. The Government is entirely right to provide support for all those who are facing this financial pressure, and not just those signing a contract after the date of the Budget. Furthermore, by providing support in this way, the Minister is seeking to ensure that it benefits the purchaser and is not taken by the seller in the form of higher house prices. Taken together with the very substantial provision in the Book of Estimates for social housing, and the continuing strategy to increase the volume and accessibility of affordable housing, this Government is showing its determination to continue the extraordinary record of achievement in housing output and increasing the capacity of our young people to buy their own homes.

Our capacity to continue to improve the quality and range of our public services depends on the strength and performance of the economy. The Budget recognises that a supportive environment is critical, if we are to meet that challenge.

Through the significantly improved régime to support investment in research and development through the tax system, through support for investment in energy efficiency on the part of business, and through the very significant improvements in administrative arrangements and in increased VAT thresholds for small business, in particular, the Minister has acted to address real issues which are of concern to Irish firms of all sizes, in all sectors, such as the reduction in the regulatory burden. The improved conditions applying to the BES scheme will be particularly welcome.

In addition, through the Budget's support on a joined-up basis for the development of renewable energy systems, it is providing support not only for more secure and cost-effective energy supplies, but for greater environmental sustainability at this time of heightened awareness of the importance of addressing the problems of climate change. Keeping Ireland green is an ambition common to all of us, but needs to be done in a way that enhances living standards and the quality of life.

In addition to these improvements in the tax environment for all businesses, I want to mention briefly a couple of specific initiatives, which, I know, will be widely welcome in the sectors concerned.

First, the decision to allow deductibility of accommodation services for conferences is a major boost for this important and growing segment of the tourism market. It will give a major boost to a segment of activity with great potential to support employment and income in the tourism sector. The dynamism of the tourism sector, which has seen visitor numbers comfortably exceed the 7 million target this year, gives the lie to the prophets of doom. We are not losing competitiveness and market share. The economy is firing on all cylinders, not just the construction industry. Tourism definitely provides value for money for Government expenditure on market promotion.

Secondly, the package of measures to support development in farming will be rightly seen as important for those facing the challenge of adaptation to the new environment for agriculture. The continuation of stock relief, the improvement in the conditions applying to long-term leases of farm land, and new arrangements for purchase of formerly leased land will help the necessary restructuring in farming, while the increase in the farmers’ flat rate refund of VAT to 5.2% will benefit all farmers. These measures complement the very substantial provisions agreed with the farm bodies in the context of Towards 2016, which provide a firm basis for rural and farming development in the period ahead, while the additional support for the establishment of bio-fuel crops is a welcome boost to a necessary diversification at farm level.

Today, much of the spending that supports farm income comes as much from Government as the EU.

The various measures which I have briefly summarised represent, as I said at the beginning, the transition to a more equitable and sustainable tax and welfare régime. Having achieved our targets, we are now in a position to approach the future from a position of strength. We now can judge the appropriate allocation of future resources to an appropriate mix of reductions in tax burdens where surplus to requirements, and sustainable improvements in public services. That set of choices will, as far as I am concerned, continue to be informed by responsible fiscal policy. It will be underpinned by the competitive success which generates the resources for allocation in future Budgets. The measures announced yesterday provide clear assurance that that competitive success can continue, as investors at home and abroad respond to the supportive conditions created by the policies of this Government.

I am proud that this Government has committed well over €5 billion to increased social welfare expenditure since 2002. In that period, real social welfare rates to those on the lowest levels of benefit have increased by about 25%. Pensions to those in receipt of contributory old-age pensions have increased by €62 and non-contributory pensions by €66, with €103 and €110 respectively in the case of pensioner couples.

Having met our benchmarks, we can now commit to maintain at least these real improvements in the years ahead, while having the resources to address other priorities in the social welfare area at the same time.

We will commit year by year resources to the improved infrastructure and support services which our economy and society require, in line with the priorities of the National Development Plan to be published in January.

In all of this, we are focused clearly and effectively on the goals for the long-term future of Irish society which we set out, with the social partners, in Towards 2016. I am confident that the continued pursuit of the strategy set out in this year's Budget and the qualities of leadership and effective management which this Government has displayed can ensure that we together will build a society, of every aspect of which we can be proud, a fairer, stronger Ireland. By the time we reach the historically resonant date of 2016, the vision and aspirations of the founders of this State are well capable of realisation.

I commend the Budget to the House.

Friday, 1 December 2006
Speech by the Taoiseach to mark World AIDS Day 2006.
Each year on 1 December, the world comes together in solidarity with the millions of men, women and children who are living with HIV. We remember the millions who have died of AIDS related illnesses. And we remember our obligation to act now and to live up to the ambitious international commitments we have made.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Stephen Lewis - the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on AIDS in Africa. Stephen is world renowned for the work he is doing on HIV/AIDS. He is a passionate advocate for the rights and needs of children and women.

The theme of World AIDS Day this year is Accountability. This is a day for us to take account of our responsibilities in regard to HIV/AIDS and our duty to increase public awareness of the problem of HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Ireland has more than lived up to its international commitments on HIV/AIDS. Since I first addressed the UN General Assembly on this issue in 2001, we have spent over €250 million to help address the global HIV pandemic.

We have also pledged that from this year forward, our spending on HIV and other communicable diseases will be at least €100 million annually.

Our new White Paper on Development Co-operation launched recently recognises the central importance of combating HIV/AIDS to the reduction of poverty and vulnerability. The White Paper commits the Government to ensuring a strong and resourced response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

It further commits us to address the increasing feminisation of the epidemic and to spend up to 20% of the increased resources on interventions that will benefit children.

I recently signed a new agreement with President Clinton that will bring an additional €70 million to scaling up HIV prevention, treatment and care programmes in Mozambique and Lesotho - two of the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa - over the next five years. These programmes will address the needs of those most affected and will particularly benefit women and children.

I know that Stephen Lewis has a particular interest in Lesotho. I have seen for myself the challenges that face the people and Government of Lesotho when I visited there at the beginning of this Millennium and witnessed the tremendous work being carried out there by Irish Aid.

With almost one in four adults testing positive, HIV is presenting a huge challenge to this small mountain kingdom. The work of the United Nations here is critical and we are keen to support a strengthening of coordination to ensure that resources are spent effectively and reach those individuals who most need them.

Earlier this year I attended the UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS. In my address to the General Assembly, I acknowledged the need to address the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

The fear and lack of understanding surrounding HIV acts as a barrier for people to access prevention, treatment and care services even when they are available. Stigma and discrimination is a recognised factor in the increasing spread of HIV.

We must all work together to make our societies more open and caring, more inclusive and less judgmental.

At that UN High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, I announced that we would start at home with this issue with a National Campaign to help combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV in Ireland.

I am particularly pleased to be in a position today to announce that this campaign will take place during 2007 as a collaborative initiative between the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Foreign Affairs and a Multi Stakeholder Forum of civil society organisations working in the area of HIV/AIDS both here and in developing countries.

The key principles of this campaign will be to ensure that responses are planned to meet the needs of people living with HIV; to tackle HIV related stigma and discrimination; and to promote a greater understanding of HIV in Ireland.

HIV/AIDS is a global issue. It respects no borders. The Multi Stakeholder Forum is a positive example of Government working with civil society. The Forum brings together organisations that are working internationally with those working in Ireland to focus on an issue that knows no boundaries.

We are all collectively responsible for ensuring that we do every thing in our power to stop the scourge of AIDS. I would like to commend one Irish man in particular who has taken this responsibility seriously and has put all his focus and energy into fighting HIV/AIDS.

Professor Michael Kelly S.J. has lived and worked in Zambia for over 50 years. He has witnessed at first hand the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS and has made a tremendous contribution to the fight against HIV in Africa.

His message, that education is the most effective ‘social vaccine’ in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and in addressing HIV related stigma is having far reaching implications in Africa and has informed the Irish Government's policy on HIV. He is here with us today and his work will be celebrated in an inaugural lecture hosted by the Government this evening.

Both Stephen Lewis and Professor Kelly will address this lecture.

Ireland will continue to take its responsibilities seriously - both on the domestic front and internationally. The fight against HIV/AIDS remains one of the greatest challenges of our generation. I can assure you that my Government will remain fully committed to staying at the forefront of the global response to HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day is a particular opportunity each year to remember that 40 million people worldwide live with HIV every day. It is a day when we renew our determination to do everything we can to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

I look forward to this National Awareness Campaign and to it promoting our greater understanding of the issues involved and, in particular, the importance of combating both the stigma associated with HIV and discrimination against those living with HIV in Ireland.

Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D. to the European Parliament on 29 November, 2006
President Borrell, Members of the European Parliament,
I am very grateful for the invitation to exchange views with you today on the Future of Europe. As someone who has spent more than half of my life as a member of parliament, I cherish this renewed opportunity to address the only directly-elected, multi-national legislative body in the world.

Since I last addressed you in 2004, the constructive influence of the European Parliament in advancing the concerns of Europe's citizens has continued to grow. Your vision is needed as we face the difficult challenges ahead. I wish every success to you, President, for the remainder of your term of office, as well as to your successor.

Explaining Europe to the public remains probably our greatest challenge, at both European and national level. Therefore, President, I particularly welcome and look forward to your visit to Dublin which starts tomorrow.

You will be visiting, President, a country that has benefited enormously from its membership of the European Union. Some key facts stand out.

When we joined in 1973, our national wealth stood at just 60 per cent of the European average.

Even after accession, we were plagued by emigration, unemployment, high inflation, and spiralling debt.

These dismal conditions have been completely reversed in recent years.

The role of the European Union was vital. Europe provided invaluable assistance to us at a critical period in our national development.

The phrase “Future of Europe", like so many phrases, has become part of our jargon. But let us recall for a moment the significance of what those words “Future of Europe” really mean - for ourselves and for the wider world.

For our own people in Europe, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, it means consolidating and developing our extraordinary Union - a Union which has been so successful that many now take its success for granted. In a world which knows so much uncertainty, oppression, deprivation and violence, the Union is a bed-rock of prosperity, stability and deep-rooted democracy.

The very essence of the European Union, this powerful blend of pragmatism, patience and vision was captured by Robert Schuman when he observed that:

“Europe will not be made all at once, or according to one single plan: rather it will be formed by taking concrete measures which bring about real solidarity.”

Our Union is not, and must never become, an inward looking one. From 1 January, we will be a Union of 27 with the very welcome accession of Bulgaria and Romania. We will remain open to further enlargement in line with our commitments, our responsibilities and our principles.

We also have growing responsibilities in relation to the wider international community. It is indeed a paradox that, at a time when we appear to be unsure internally of the precise direction which the future development of our Union should take, our role externally has never been more important or more clear. The wider world increasingly looks to Europe for leadership, for support and for the promotion of our values.

The founding fathers of Europe would be proud to see the Europe of today - what we are and what we bring to our world. But they would insist that our benchmark must be set not against where we have come from but rather against what we must still achieve.

Today, Europe faces as great an array of challenges as ever including globalisation, technological change, migration, energy security and terrorism. These challenges have not been dreamed up in Brussels or Strasbourg. They have risen up the Union's agenda because they are very real and directly relevant to our citizens. The challenges must not only be met but also addressed in a way which reassures our citizens and responds to their anxieties and aspirations.

The Union, in approaching these issues, is rightly pursuing two broad parallel tracks. In respect of both tracks, the role of the European Parliament will be crucial.

On the one hand, we are continuing to reflect on the question of the Constitutional Treaty and will return to it next June on the basis of a report by Chancellor Merkel. On the other hand, we are seeking to address the concerns of our citizens in practical ways under the existing Treaties. Both of these tracks are essential. We cannot put practical progress on hold. Neither can we wish away the need to provide the Union with a coherent, streamlined basis for addressing the challenges of a new century.

The Constitutional Treaty is designed to provide a much needed basis for practical progress; and the practical progress we strive for will contribute to a positive context for reaching agreement on the urgent institutional questions. I would like to address these two issues in turn.

Nobody can predict with any certainty what the future holds for the Constitutional Treaty. There is, of course, no easy answer. I would, however, like to share with you briefly my own reflections and I look forward greatly to hearing your own perceptions in this afternoon's debate.

A good starting point for trying to evaluate what lies ahead is often to reflect briefly on why and how we got to be where we are today. History is important because it can help us to make wise choices about the future. Since the Irish Presidency had the privilege of bringing the IGC negotiations to conclusion, I have particular awareness of the process which made agreement possible.

So let me start by recalling what seem to me to be three fundamental realities about the situation we have reached.

First, it's important to remember that the Constitutional Treaty was agreed because it was necessary. The need for its substantive provisions has grown rather than diminished. We need its more coherent external policy to meet our growing international responsibilities. We need its subtle, balanced and effective provisions in the area of Justice and Home Affairs to strengthen our fight against crime. We need its more open, comprehensible, democratic and effective procedures, including its significantly enhanced role for the European Parliament. We need its principles and its values.

Moreover, apart from the Constitutional Treaty's specific elements, we need it because the long term stability, prosperity and coherence of Europe are of fundamental importance for our own people as well as for people beyond our borders.

Second, the process which led to agreement on the Constitutional Treaty was long, complex and difficult. The Convention was unprecedented in its openness and achievement. The European Parliament was highly influential at the Convention which also benefited greatly from the direct involvement of national parliamentarians. The subsequent IGC involved intensive bilateral and collective negotiations in which the views of each Member State, as well as of the Commission and Parliament, were taken very carefully into account. The process leading to agreement was a comprehensive and inclusive one. I visited every capital. Everyone was listened to and helped to shape the outcome.

Third, participants were in the end able to accept the outcome of the negotiations because they saw it as a balanced overall package. The institutional provisions in particular were closely inter-related and formed a single whole.

The difficulties of moving forward with the Constitutional Treaty are significant.

But any analysis of what Europe needs, of how we got to where we are today and of the alternatives, convinces me that the right and realistic option is to return at the appropriate time to the substance and balance of the Constitutional Treaty. I understand that this is also broadly the view of this Parliament.

In moving forward, we must ensure that the basis for progress must be an inclusive one in which the concerns and views of all are taken into account, including the legitimate concerns expressed by the citizens in many Member States.

Chancellor Merkel will be consulting closely with each Member State and with the institutions. I have no doubt that her report to the June European Council will be soundly-based and well judged.

However, let me at this stage offer four reflections:

First, we must continue to work to change the context in which we will return to consider the Constitutional Treaty. This means continuing to address, as effectively as we can, the concerns of our citizens - on issues from employment to mobile phone charges, from enlargement to the fight against crime. This is what you, the directly elected representatives of the people of Europe, do so effectively week-in week-out.

Second, the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome next March offers an important opportunity to highlight for our citizens the achievements and potential of the Union. A succinct, consensual and eloquent declaration on that occasion, in the name of the Council, Commission and European Parliament, could represent a very positive element in creating a new context for our wider institutional debate and perhaps also in addressing some of the specific concerns which have arisen in the national debates on the Constitutional Treaty.

Third, as was the case on previous occasions when European Treaties ran into difficulties at national level, additional elements could be introduced to address concerns which have arisen. Such additions could enrich rather than undermine the substance and balance of the Treaty.

Fourth, the presentation, the length and, in some respects, the nature of the Constitutional Treaty could also be amended significantly without affecting its basic substance and balance. To give some examples, it could be brought out more clearly that what is involved is a Treaty and that, in many respects, it essentially amends rather than replaces the existing Treaties.

For the Irish Government's part, we remain resolutely and enthusiastically committed, as soon as the situation has been fully clarified, to holding a referendum on the substance of the Constitutional Treaty. The Treaty remains important for Europe, for our people and for those who look to our values.

As I said at the outset, it is essential that Europe also pursues the second track which we have set for ourselves - namely addressing, as best we can under the existing Treaties, the priorities of our citizens.

I believe it is important to maintain broadly the distinctiveness of the two tracks. We should be wary of the selective advance application of elements which form part of the balance in the Constitutional Treaty.

Let us not be unduly pessimistic about what we have achieved so far in terms of practical progress. The European economy is gaining in strength. More people are in work. An enlargement of historic proportions, which not long ago seemed unimaginable, has taken root and has greatly enriched our Union.

But we are not here, at either European or national level, to congratulate ourselves. The successful football club is not the one that focuses on the trophy room. It is the one that focuses on the matches ahead.

One only has to look at the agenda of any of your parliamentary sessions to appreciate the range and depth of the challenges we face. Time requires me to address what seem to me to be the strategic underlying challenges. Allow me to address briefly five of those challenges.

First, there is the competitiveness challenge. This has many important European dimensions - better regulation, a strong and appropriate competition policy, research and development, the removal of barriers in the internal market; perhaps above all innovation in relation to which the proposed European Institute for Technology can make an important contribution.

Our objective should be to make Europe attractive for investment. I have repeatedly stressed to my colleagues on the European Council and to the Commission that Europe is increasingly in competition not within itself but with other parts of the world, notably in Asia. The reality of this competition must give urgency as well as direction to the development and implementation of policies at European level.

Our second strategic objective should be to ensure that achieving competitiveness does not threaten the European social model, that competitiveness and social inclusion are partners not rivals. This is the key principle underpinning our own national system of social partnership. Our experience of extensive and intensive social dialogue has delivered 18 consecutive years of economic growth, improved living standards and greater social inclusion. In our approach at European level, including where appropriate through legislation, we should reflect the principle that economic and social policies can and should be mutually reinforcing.

We must above all ensure that solidarity and opportunity are at the heart of the Union and must drive Europe's future. The test of Europe's credibility today is whether it can deliver policies which build up solidarity within the EU and secure opportunities for all our people.

I also strongly believe that we need to give greater substance to the social dialogue at European level. At both European and national level, we must engage the social partners, in particular the trade unions, in a real debate on the reform of the European social model and on the modernisation of labour markets.

Our third strategic challenge is to confront the downsides of globalisation including cross-border crime, human trafficking, illegal migration and the scourge of illicit drugs that ruin so many lives. We know about the potential for pollution to trigger calamitous climate change.

Of course, the responsibility in many of these areas falls significantly on the Member States. But, as long as our climate and our criminals do not stop at the borders between our countries, we must work together to ensure all appropriate action at European level.

Fourth, Europe must play its full role across the range of its external competences. I won't dwell on this further because I have already highlighted in my introduction the increasingly important role which the Union plays and is expected to play in the international arena. It is, of course, essential that Europe is adequately funded, including in the CFSP area, for addressing its growing responsibilities in the Western Balkans, in our wider neighbourhood and further afield, especially towards the poorest who need our support and to whom Europe should continue to strive to be a special friend.

The fifth and perhaps greatest strategic challenge is, I'm sure you would agree, to connect Europe better with its citizens. Of course, this challenge is not unrelated to the other challenges. We can only communicate a positive message if we have a positive message to communicate. But we have to demonstrate clearly that Europe is part of the solution to globalisation, not part of the problem. We have to show that the European social model remains at the heart of increased competitiveness. Our people must not only be secure but also feel secure. We need to act. But we also need to explain what Europe is doing and can do to provide security for our citizens. We have to bring home much more effectively to the public that, through our external policies, we are increasingly and effectively promoting their interests, their priorities and their values. I fully accept that a large part of the responsibility of explaining Europe accurately and fairly falls at national level. It is certainly a priority for my Government.

Respect for diversity can play a particularly important part in connecting the Union with its citizens. Ní fhéadfadh aon rud meas na hEorpa ar charachtar indibhidiúil a cuid Ballstát a léiriú níos fearr ná an stádas feabhsaithe a bheas ag an nGaeilge ó 1 Eanáir. Tá Eire an-bhuíoch den Pharlaimint as bhur gcuid tacaíochta i dtabhairt na socruithe nua isteach.

Allow me, in conclusion, to say that we should not lose sight of the fact that at the heart of our Union, when it was founded half a century ago, was the determination to bring permanent peace “among peoples long divided by bloody conflicts", as the first Treaty put it. The Union has been resoundingly successful in that aim within our borders. The Union is also an increasingly important factor for stability beyond our borders.

I would like to pay particular tribute to the fact that the European Union has played a crucial role in relation to our own peace process in Northern Ireland. The Union has provided not just generous financial support but also a context and an example. I would like to convey to you today the deep-felt appreciation of the Irish people for the Parliament's valued, consistent and continuing support for peace on the island of Ireland.

In the second half of the 21st century, another generation of Europeans will be living with the consequences of the decisions we take. I hope that, when they cast an eye back to our generation of Europeans, they will be able to conclude that we had the imagination, courage and intelligence to consolidate our unique Union and to provide a solid, comprehensive and consensual basis for taking forward its achievements.

Wednesday, 29 November 2006
Taoiseach's Comments on Joint Oireachtas Report on Dundalk Bombings
Speaking after the publication of the Report on the Dundalk Bombings of 1975 by the Joint Oireachtas Committee, the Taoiseach said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are of course with the families of the victims of the Dundalk Bombing and all of the other incidents covered in this Report.

We must also remember all the many other victims, on all sides, in what was a dark and tragic period of the history of this island.

I established the inquiries by the late Judge Hamilton, Judge Barron and most recently Mr MacEntee precisely because of the long-standing suspicions about the circumstances of these attacks in the 1970s.

The findings in this Report regarding collusion are deeply troubling and a matter of most serious concern. They paint a very disturbing picture.

We have consistently pressed the British Government for any cooperation they can provide in relation to all of these incidents.

We have been in contact with the British Government today.

It is absolutely essential that the British Government examine the findings of all of these reports, as well as the forthcoming MacEntee Report, and that it fully co-operates with all investigations into the serious issues that have arisen.

This is the last of Judge Barron's Reports to be considered by the Committee and the work done to date by them is to be commended.

I fully support their call for a full debate in the Dáil and Seanad on collusion.” The Final Report of the Independent Commission of Investigation (McEntee Commission) into aspects of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings is expected on 10th December.

The Taoiseach will meet with a group representing victims and survivors of the Miami Showband Families tomorrow. The Miami Showband atrocity is one of the incidents addressed in the Oireachtas Committee report.

Wednesday, 29 November, 2006
Taoiseach’s Address to The European Parliament
"Taoiseach sets out Ireland’s view on the Future Role of Europe”
Brussels, 29 November, 2006
The Taoiseach travels to Brussels today (29th November) to address the European Parliament. His address will be followed by a debate in the Parliament. The Taoiseach will also have a bilateral meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Josep Borrell and will have lunch with the leaders of the political parties in the Parliament. The Taoiseach will also have a meeting with the Irish MEPs.

The address to the Parliament provides an ideal platform for the Taoiseach to stress Ireland’s positive approach to the European Union and to address the issues confronting Europe’s future direction. “It is a great honour to address the only directly-elected, multi-national legislative body in the world’, the Taoiseach said prior to his departure.

“The significance of the Parliament in today’s Europe was borne out recently by the constructive role it played in ensuring that a compromise was reached on the services directive” he continued.

Sunday, 26 November, 2006
Switching on of the Christmas Tree Lights in Omni Park Shopping Centre, Santry
I am delighted once again to be with you in the Omni Park in Santry to switch on the lights of this magnificent tree.

Every year the evergreen of the Christmas tree reminds us that this is a season to celebrate life and to look forward to the many festivities that lie ahead. It is hard to visualise a Christmas tree without also imagining presents beneath it waiting to be opened by eager children on Christmas morning.

My own childhood memories of Christmas are of a magical time with the excitement of trying to stay awake on Christmas Eve to see if you could hear Santa Claus trying to get down the chimney.

While I gather that Santa still favours this method of delivering presents, times have otherwise changed a lot since then. The transformation that we have seen in this country in recent years is really quite remarkable. All around us we can see the signs of our growing prosperity. This is never more apparent than at Christmas time when the amount that we spend on gifts seems to get greater every year.

It is only right that we should be thankful for this ongoing success, but we must make sure that this does not make us lose sight of the real meaning and spirit of Christmas.

For some families and some children, who are not as lucky as the rest of us, presents beneath the Christmas tree might be few and far between. Because, despite our growing prosperity there are still people who struggle to make ends meet.

I am delighted to see that here in Omni Park you are guarding the true spirit of Christmas and ensuring that those less well off will benefit from your generosity. Last year over €100,000 worth of toys were donated by Omni Park's Giving Tree appeal. The ‘Giving Tree’ is by now a well established tradition that started here and has branched out to almost every shopping centre in Ireland. My own Department has followed suit and sets up its own Giving Tree every year in the run up to Christmas.

The real beauty of this idea is its simplicity. All you have to do is take a card from the Giving Tree, buy a gift suitable for the child named on the card and put it into the collection point at the Omni Parks fountain. St. Vincent de Paul then arrange to distribute the toys to families in need.

Through their ongoing good work St. Vincent de Paul has made a real difference to the lives of thousands of Irish people who, for whatever reason, are unable to participate fully in the social and economic life of this country. By working with them, people in this area have shown that the Christmas spirit of giving is alive and well. You are helping to make sure that Christmas remains a magical time for all of our children.

I always enjoy coming to Omni Park to switch on the lights on the tree. For me, it marks the real beginning of the Christmas season. I must compliment the Slow Glow Gospel Choir as well as the Glasnevin Youth Orchestra who have provided such lovely music for this occasion. Thanks also to Eilish Brangan for inviting me back here today.

May I wish you all a happy and joyous Christmas.