Annual Report 1999

Link to the full Annual Report (351kb)

Introduction

1999 was a year of substantial achievement for the Department of Enterprise,Trade and Employment. It was the second year working towards implementation of the goals and objectives set out in the Department's Strategy Statement 1998-2000.This report sets out the substantial progress made in 1999, which I am confident, can be continued in 2000. 1999 was also the first full year all Divisions worked to a new business planning process which, I believe, assisted the management of key tasks and helped energise staff at all levels around common goals.

1999 has seen the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment respond to a number of key challenges that are worthy of special mention.

The Department played a key part in preparation of the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and is the lead Department implementing two of three inter-regional Operational Programmes, those relating to the Productive Sector and Employment and Human Resource Development.

A new E-Commerce Unit was established to drive the emerging e-commerce agenda and ensure Ireland becomes a center of e-commerce excellence. Enhancement of broadband connectivity and working with our colleagues in the Department of Public Enterprise on a Bill to give legal effect to electronic signatures and contracts are key tasks that have been undertaken.

Company law enforcement activity has continued unabated. A report to the Tánaiste of the examination of Ansbacher (Cayman) Ltd. ultimately led to the appointment of High Court Inspectors to investigate and report on the affairs of the company.

New structures for company law enforcement and regulation of the financial services sector have been advanced significantly.

Labour market interventions, as part of the Employment Action Plan, have been extremely successful in 1999 and a new initiative to develop a proactive immigration policy has commenced.

Proposals for implementation of a Technology Foresight Fund, to invest in research in niche areas of technology, have been developed, approved by Government and are now being implemented.

The Department has formulated a strategy and secured additional funding to improve employment

opportunities of people with disabilities. This action is in response to a Government decision to transfer responsibility for employment and vocational training services for people with disabilities from the NRB to FAS.

Proposals for a National Training Fund were agreed and announced in the December 1999 Budget. The fund will be administered by this Department and used for training of people in employment and for employment.

During 1999 the groundwork was completed to enable the introduction of a National Minimum Wage in 2000. Resources have also been put in place to enforce compliance in 2000 and future years.

A heavy legislative programme was progressed in 1999. This included the making of 35 Statutory Instruments, completion of two pieces of primary legislation in the company law area, the publication of key bills relating to insurance, patents, copyright and related rights, cement, and the minimum wage (January 2000).

While I have highlighted a number of issues from 1999, I could never impart in this brief introduction a true sense of the range and complexity of tasks undertaken by the Department in 1999, and outlined in this report.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff at every level of the Department for their valued contribution to the achievements of 1999.We in the Department are determined to ensure that the highest standard of performance is delivered to our customers and clients throughout the country, to the Government, to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise,Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, T.D., the Minister for Science,Technology and Commerce, Noel Treacy,T.D. and Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs,Tom Kitt,T.D.To achieve this goal we have embraced change through the Strategic Management Initiative, adopted a partnership approach to internal management, invested heavily in training to enhance the competencies of our people and laid the ground work for comprehensive performance management based on individual development.

I am certain that this investment will ensure we can respond effectively to any new challenge we may face in the future.

Paul Haran

Secretary General