In The Helix Theatre, Glasnevin, Dublin. On Thursday 6^th May 2004.

Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Frank Fahey T.D., today (Thursday 6^th May 2004) delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Second Round of EQUAL funding. The event is open to the public and was attended by prospective applicants for funding, Government Departments and Agencies, NGOs and Social Partners. Invitations were also extended to members of the Oireachtas and Irish MEPs. The launch attracted a large attendance.

The EQUAL Community Initiative is one of four European “Community Initiative” programmes operating in Ireland (the others being LEADER+, URBAN and INTERREG). The overarching aim of EQUAL is to combat discrimination and inequality in connection with the labour market by testing new ways of approaching training, education and employment support through partnerships involving key stakeholders in a strategic, collaborative approach.

Speaking at the launch Minister Fahey said, "The Government has created a strong and stable economy over the last seven years and it is generally accepted this has resulted in improved living conditions for most people in our society. However, we cannot rest on our laurels and we cannot stop at this point and neglect those who continue to have difficulty in accessing the labour market."

"It is important to both our economy and to society as a whole that we work together – Government, Non- Governmental Organisations and social partners - to ensure that all those who wish to work can be facilitated. It is often said that having a job is the best way to prevent the drift into poverty and I firmly believe that this is so. We must therefore continue to work to find ways of providing access to the labour market for those who have traditionally found it difficult to find work," concluded Minister Fahey.

ENDS/LA 78