Partnership key to sustainable economic development - Harney

Sustainable economic development is key to the regeneration of north Dublin.

The initiative that has been taken under the auspices of NorDubCo is an important catalyst in bringing a new focus on the problems and strengths of the whole north Dublin region.

Sometimes I think that we are inclined to pigeon hole issues - into the northside versus the southside, Dublin versus the rest, Ireland versus Europe, Europe versus the rest of the world.

The reality of the global marketplace, however, now means that whatever is produced in Santry is subject to competition from Singapore. The Gateway pcs manufactured in Clonshaugh are hotly competed against by the Dells turned out in Limerick. The Hertz call centre in Swords taking calls from around Europe could be sited elsewhere in Ireland or Europe if those locations were more competitive.

The challenge therefore is to ensure that north Dublin along with the rest of Ireland remains competitive and, indeed, improves its competitiveness.

I very much welcome the approach being taken by this forum. NorDubCo has taken an inclusive approach to addressing the issues blocking the further development of the north city and county.

The message that I want to convey to you today is essentially one of partnership and building on the success of the partnership model that we have so successfully developed in this country since the late 1980s.

In the mid 1980s many of us feared that the international receivers or liquidators were going to move in on our economy such was the state of the public finances. Partnership, commencing with the Programme for National Recovery, has turned Ireland around. Our public finances are now on a sound footing and we enjoy the highest growth rates in the developed world.

Of course all of the progress we have made over the past decade has not been enjoyed by all. This is clear from the social injustices we witness in this part of Dublin, elsewhere in the city and country.

That is why it is so important to stick with the partnership approach, so successful to date, so that we can develop a more inclusive society. Those who want to step outside the current partnership, P2000, should consider the consequences, not for themselves, but for those who are marginalised and do not have such a strong voice or muscle.

The continuation of partnership and the negotiation of a new three-year national agreement are central to this government's social and economic strategy. Abandoning the partnership system would result in rising inflation, increasing levels of unemployment a loss of national competitiveness.

Returning to the theme I started out on, namely that we should not pigeon hole, not be divisive, I would like to stress that the issue of regionalising Ireland for the purposes of the next tranche of European funding is not being considered for the purposes of divisiveness. It is not a them and us situation. It is not a situation of competition for the "poorest mouth". The Government is considering this issue with two objectives in mind. Firstly, from the point of view of boosting sustainable development outside of Dublin and secondly, to optimise the potential of EU transfers.

I can assure you as a Dublin-based Minister that I understand only too well the needs of Dublin, north and south. I share your perspective that there are real areas of deprivation that need urgent attention. I am committed to ensuring that the necessary attention will be given and action taken in the period ahead

The biggest challenge in areas of deprivation is to break the cycle of unemployment. The Government's Employment Action Plan will, I believe, be a key ingredient in bringing about greater economic prosperity and social inclusion right around the country, but especially in urban areas of persistent unemployment. The plan is based on a strategy whereby there will be early intervention with all young and adult unemployed, within six and twelve months respectively of their becoming unemployed, with a view to offering them a job or other employability support, i.e. a place in a training or education course, a place on an employment scheme or referral to the Local Employment Service for intensive mediation. Again, through the partnership approach under P2000, the Government's plan aims to reduce unemployment to 7% within a short space of time. I believe we can get the rate down to 5% early in the new millennium. All of that will be really good news for north Dublin and the country at large.