Address by Mr. John McGuinness T.D.,

Minister for Trade & Commerce

ETCI Annual Dinner and Presentation of ETCI Awards

Davenport Hotel on Tuesday 11th December 2007 at 7.30 pm

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am delighted to be here this year on the occasion of the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland’s Annual Dinner and Awards night.

The objectives of ETCI include the promotion of electrical safety in equipment and installations and the development of electro-technical standards. ETCI would not be able to achieve these objectives without the work carried out by the technical committees. The purpose of this Annual Dinner is to thank the 200 technical experts who voluntarily contribute to the work of ETCI. I realise how essential your work is for the safety and well being of the people of Ireland and want you to know that this work is very much appreciated. Our increased confidence in electrical safety is due, to a great extent, to the work of the ETCI and their encouragement of an awareness of electrical safety among the general public.

The beneficial effects of your work extend beyond the nation of Ireland. I am aware that ETCI contributes to the development of international standards through its participation in the discussions of the Technical Committees of CENELEC and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). In fact, I have been informed that the IEC have presented Mr. Noel O’Riordan with the IEC 1906 Award in recognition of his invaluable expertise supporting the development of numerous standards for explosive atmosphere requirements. The European Commission and CENELEC obviously value the work of Noel and both appointed him as a consultant for the ATEX Directive. We all congratulate you Noel and thank you for your many years of commitment and hard work on our behalf.

Electricity is playing an ever-increasing role in today’s society. Electrically powered computer and communication systems have become essential in our personal lives and for the economy. ETCI’s contribution to the industry is becoming progressively more important and with the increase in demand comes even greater responsibility. In addition to protecting the public, we also need to ensure that our environment is protected by efficient use of electricity. You will be aware in this regard of proposals by my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, to introduce mandatory minimum efficiency standards for light bulbs from 2009.

The energy sector is an area where there has been active co-operation between the administrations of Northern Ireland and the South in the interests of delivering improved services and economic benefits to customers. I am sure you are aware that the Single Electricity Market (SEM) commenced on 1st November.  Legislation has been enacted in both jurisdictions to provide for the establishment and operation of a single competitive wholesale electricity market on the island of Ireland. Creating a single market will bring benefits from increased competition, reduced energy costs and improved reliability of supply. There is recognition that competition on an island-wide basis is likely to increase the choices available to customers and to support continued economic growth in both North and South.

From the individual to the nation, from the island of Ireland to Europe, we can all play our part. It's easy to become overwhelmed when we look at "The Big Picture". Global warming, climate change and fuel shortages can make us all feel a little powerless. High on the priority list of my colleague, Mr. Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Power of One Campaign. If each one of us becomes aware of our own power when it comes to energy efficiency, we can collectively make a big difference to ourselves, to our pockets, and to the environment.

We are also here this evening to congratulate the two winners of the 2007 Apprenticeship Awards on their success, well done to Daniel Ryall and Barry Bolger. As you are aware, the ETCI Apprenticeship Awards were established in 1992 in order to foster a greater awareness of electrical safety, to recognise the achievements of Ireland’s top electrical apprentices and to strengthen ETCI’s links with the Electrotechnical Education Centres. It is encouraging for me to see your enthusiasm for further education and to witness your hard work and achievement being recognised here this evening.

Appreciation of the Apprenticeship Programme is always welcome and you will be pleased to hear that the ETCI is not alone in recognising the value of the Programme. Last year, Minister Martin spoke of the ongoing increase in the demand for highly skilled and flexible workers and the consequent pressure put on the apprenticeship programme. That trend continues, my own Department has seen a five-fold increase over the past two years in FÁS programmes aimed at upskilling the employed. This year my Department has invested nearly €480m on training; €130m of this in apprenticeship training. Commitments made in the social partnership agreement – Towards 2016 – and in the National Development Plan, which was launched earlier this year mean that this improved environment for learning is set to continue and further improve in the future.

It was because of the importance of education and skills for our economic development that the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs was convened to undertake a comprehensive piece of research to underpin the development of a National Skills Strategy. In March of this year Ministers Martin and Hanafin launched the Expert Group’s Report, which is called Towards a National Skills Strategy. This Report set out clear objectives for developing Ireland’s human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020. Delivering on these objectives will ensure that our education and training systems meet the future skills requirements of our economy as it moves towards one that is knowledge-based and innovation-driven.

In closing I would like to offer my congratulations to the two gentlemen who are receiving recognition of their achievements here this evening and hope that your experience of apprenticeship was enjoyable, interesting and productive. I believe that the experience, skills and knowledge you have received are of great benefit for the next stage of your development, whether it is in pursuit of a career or in further study.

Finally, I would like to thank the ETCI Chairman, Gerard Buckley, and all the Council for arranging this evening’s event and again to express my appreciation of the voluntary contributions of time and expertise, which ensures the continued achievement of the goals of ETCI.

Ends.