Tánaiste Presents North-East Excellence Through People Awards Awards a further example of North-South co-operation

Tánaiste Mary Harney visited Monaghan today (Monday 13th September, 1999) where she presented the North-East Excellence Through People Awards in the Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross.

Presenting the awards the Tánaiste said "People are the lifeblood and the major asset of any organisation. I am delighted that FAS through this awards scheme are continuing to promote a recognised standard for quality training and to encourage organisations to develop the full potential of their employees and so maximise their contribution to the future development and growth of the company. Today we recognise those organisations who achieved this aim."

"What is particularly pleasing in regard to today's events is that it recognises yet another important step in North-South co-operation. Four organisations from Northern Ireland are receiving awards today and three of these are the result of a pilot project incorporating FAS, the Training and Employment Agency in Northern Ireland and Investors in People UK."

"The objective of this pilot project is to develop mechanisms whereby organisations in the Republic who have obtained FÁS Excellence Through People can also attain Investors in People which is the comparable UK standard. Organisations in Northern Ireland who meet the relevant standards can now attain FÁS Excellence Through People accreditation."

"Earlier this morning, I was pleased to open a new facility for ICL in Dundalk which will provide some 100 jobs in the software industry. These two events demonstrate the type of positive developments and benefits that can accrue as a result of the Good Friday Agreement and are to be warmly welcomed".

The Tánaiste concluded by congratulating the 14 organisations both North and South who received the FAS "Excellence Through People Awards". This brings to 84 the number of organisations who have achieved the standard and that number should increase to 120 before the end of the year.