Speech by Mr Michael Ahern, T.D., Minister for Trade and Commerce Presentation of ISO 9001:2000 to the Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland (IATI)

Presentation Ceremony – 27 June 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It gives me great pleasure to be here today to acknowledge the high standards of service achieved by the Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland in attaining the ISO 9001:2000 quality management system.

Ireland has witnessed in recent years the benefits that widespread application of Quality Systems can make in facilitating competitiveness and economic development.

The benefits of ISO 9000 are apparent through effective and efficient operations and the best use of available resources.

Since 1987, when the ISO 9000 standard was introduced in Ireland, it has become a readily recognised international mark of quality service and systems that can be applied across all businesses. Indeed, it now forms the basis of more than 350,000 certified quality management systems in 150 countries around the world, proving that it is the most successful international standard ever produced. It provides guidance for an organisation to ensure fulfillment of both customer and regulatory requirements. The ISO 9000 family of standards places particular emphasis on continual improvement and enhancing customer satisfaction.

The IATI has successfully achieved these goals.

I understand that since being established in 1983, the Institute has become the leading accounting technician body in Ireland. With nearly 6,000 students, it provides a qualification in accounting and information skills for those working in both private and public practice.  For over 20 years, with dedicated and highly experienced staff, it has promoted the highest educational, technical and ethical standards through exceptional commitment to high quality practices. The Institute’s qualification is recognised world wide for these reasons.

I would also like to recognise the Institute for making lifelong learning one of its priorities. Lifelong learning is critical in developing a knowledge-based economy, so the Institute can be confident that it is playing an important role in the Government’s Lifelong Learning agenda.

The presentation of this award today is testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and management at IATI and I would like to give due credit to the team who helped achieve this award. This clearly shows the Institute’s committment to excellence.

It now gives me great pleasure to call on Mr Tom Fitzpatrick, Chairman of IATI to receive this award on behalf of The Institute of Accounting Technicians in Ireland and all the people that have worked so hard to meet these exacting international standards.

ENDS.