Partnership can spark south-east, says senator

WATERFORD and the entire south-east region should benefit massively from the new partnership deal, a local politician believes.

Waterford Fianna Fáil Senator Brendan Kenneally has said the new social partnership agreement holds huge promise for the South-East because among its key proposals are measures to support balanced regional development and the manufacturing sector.

Mr Kenneally said the agreement, reached between the Government, IBEC and ICTU, is an important framework for meeting the economic and social challenges over the next 10 years.

“It aims to improve the lot of people across the country by maintaining a supportive macro-economic environment. The deal acknowledges that we must work together to enhance productivity, competitiveness and build a stronger society.

“The proposals include special measures to assist the manufacturing sector, address the energy crisis and support balanced regional development.

“Manufacturing plays a critical role in the Irish economy in general and in Waterford in particular.

“A new high-level manufacturing group, chaired by a prominent industry figure, will be established to review the challenges facing the sector and identify measures to boost productivity.

“Just last week, the Government launched its multi-billion euro new strategy for science, technology and innovation to 2013, which will drive economic growth and continue to create high-quality and high-paying jobs.

“The knowledge-based society will offer new opportunities for employment and social advancement, tapping into Ireland’s long tradition of creativity and our talent for communication. It will bring together researchers and innovators from all disciplines, including the physical and social sciences, arts and humanities, to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly diverse world,” he said.

The strategy aims for a doubling of postgraduates, with significant numbers of these being used by the enterprise sector. “So, not alone are we mapping out the course of Ireland’s development in a social partnership framework, but we are investing in knowledge-led research and development sector that will take us into a new economic era,” he said.

He said all of this will be achieved with balanced regional development in mind.