Speech by Minister Michael Ahern, TD, Minister For Trade And Commerce at the FÁS Excellence Through People Networking Day

Wednesday 8th November 2006 at 5:30pm

It is my pleasure to attend this event and to welcome the new recipients of the Excellence Through People standard to the network. I wish to congratulate all the award winners and to emphasise the important role that people play in the success of Irish companies today.

The national human resource management standard, Excellence Through People, with its emphasis on business enhancement through employee involvement, plays an important role in increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of Irish business. Successful employers encourage their staff to reach their full potential, because they know that this allows the organisation to also reach its full potential.

The Government recognises that organisations must constantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations to turn today's challenges into tomorrow's success. We must continue to ensure that Ireland’s ability to reap the benefits from the global marketplace is maximised through making certain that not only the quantity, but also the quality, of labour force skills is available to meet industry needs. Ireland must continue to move up the value chain to remain competitive in the future. This involves increased levels of investment in training as well as research and development, technology and innovation. Such measures have become necessary to bolster Ireland’s competitiveness in a knowledge and innovation based global economy and also to enhance the attractiveness of Ireland for both domestic and international investment.

We encourage the development of a lifelong learning culture where successful employers are those who realise that their people are their most important asset and act on that by investing in their skills and development.

That is why we want all employers to take responsibility for improving the skills of their workforce. The recipients of the FÁS Excellence Through People Awards have already grasped this economic reality and have shown their sustained commitment to reach excellence through valuing and developing their employees.

According to recipients of the award, not only does the Standard enhance learning and HR practices; it also has the added benefits of instilling a culture of enhanced communications and increased employee commitment to an organisation’s future.

A further benefit is your presence here today. Through involvement in this event you have the opportunity to network with other organisations and share views and concerns with other companies that are pursuing excellence through their people. These events also provide the opportunity to hear from such eminent professionals as Dr. Kirkpatrick.

From my meeting with him earlier I would consider him a practical academic who brings many years of expertise and experience to our meeting today – thank you Don!

I am impressed by the range of organisations that have achieved the Excellence Through People standard. This Award is available to all regardless of size or sector.

I would like to congratulate each of the companies here this evening and am confident that the FÁS Excellence Through People Standard will further enhance your business. I trust that many more employers will follow your example.

You are role models for the future successful advancement and development of business in Ireland. It gives me the greatest pleasure to applaud each and every one of you on your achievement and to wish you every success in the future.

ENDS

TC 258