National Reform Programme will ensure Ireland builds on recent progress – Donohoe

Speaking at the Joint Committee on European Affairs this afternoon (Tuesday), Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe TD, said that the Government’s National Reform Programme, which was being discussed, will ensure that the progress that has been made in the last number of years is not lost and that Ireland remains on the right path in the years ahead.

“As part of EU monitoring and coordination, systems are being put in place to ensure that all EU Member States are on secure paths, socially and economically, now and in the future.

“This cycle of policy coordination with the EU, known as the European Semester Process, is designed to ensure that sound objectives are being advanced and implemented by Member States so that targeted levels of growth can be achieved and our people can get back to work.

“The Stability Programme Update, which is part of the process, coupled with the National Reform Plan (NRP),set out the macroeconomic forecast for Ireland and the steps we must take to continue to build on the progress we have already made.

“The draft NRP, which was being discussed at the Committee for the first time today, focuses on five headline EU targets in the areas of employment, innovation, climate/energy, education and social inclusion. In it a number of social outcomes and objectives are identified which will ensure that Ireland can get back to work and that no-one is left behind.

“Meeting economic objectives is essential to our future prosperity. Keeping a firm eye on our social inclusion policy is equally important; they are two sides of the same coin.

“The Irish people have made significant progress in recent years to ensure that our budget deficit is narrowed, our public services are reformed and jobs are created again in our economy. This Draft National Reform Programme is an excellent start in determining the way ahead. I look forward to its completion with input from relevant stakeholders and to its implementation in the coming years.”

Note: the text of the Minister’s speech to the Committee can be read here:
http://paschaldonohoe.ie/speech-on-the-european-semester-and-irelands-draft-national-reform-programme-opening-address-to-the-joint-committee-on-european-affairs/