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TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has written a letter to the president of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, and the heads of government in the 27 EU states ahead of today’s council meeting in Brussels.
In the letter, the Taoiseach urges EU leaders to fulfil the pledge in June 2012 to break the link between bank and sovereign debt, saying that it “remains imperative”.
Ireland is pushing for the use of the eurozone’s permanent bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism, to retrospectively recapitalise Irish banks, which received billions of euro in State funding at the height of the financial crisis.
Kenny writes: “That shared task, indeed all the commitments we made then, remain to be fulfilled and are important for ensuring that Ireland’s return to full market financing is sustainable and that Ireland can be a durable success story for the entire Eurozone.”
Read the letter in full:
Dear President van Rompuy,I recently announced that Ireland is to exit its EU/IMF programme in December 2013. This will be a highly significant step for the people of Ireland, and is good news for our common endeavours in Europe as a whole.
It is a testament both to the resilience of the Irish people and to the loyal support of EU partners, that Ireland is now preparing to return to the markets in a sustainable way, having delivered on all of our commitments in the 3 years of our Programme. We are now targeting a deficit target of 4.8% for 2014 which is within our EDP commitment of 5.1%, and which should deliver a primary balance and a small surplus next year. We are doing that notwithstanding our growth being much lower than anticipated. My Government will soon review the best options for our exit, in discussions also with the Troika. The decision regarding such post programme options is a finely balanced one, both from an Irish perspective and from an EU perspective.
Like other EU partners we rely on the stability of our Union, and of the Eurozone, to anchor our fragile recovery. The recent stabilisation of sovereign borrowing rates in the Union is a product of hard-earned trust – trust and confidence that that the Banking
Union will be completed on time, and confidence that momentum will be maintained on our shared jobs and growth agenda. These political commitments must be implemented. No time should be lost in building on the decisions reached in 2012 and earlier this year on Banking Union legislation.We must hold firm to our deadlines for agreeing the remaining legislation on Deposit Guarantees and on a Single Resolution Mechanism. It remains imperative, as we all agreed in June 2012, to break the “vicious circle” between bank and sovereign debts that forced Ireland into a Programme in 2010, at a time when there was a different consensus in Europe on the merits of “bailing in” creditors of failed banks. That shared task, indeed all the commitments we made then, remain to be fulfilled and are important for ensuring that Ireland’s return to full market financing is sustainable and that Ireland can be a durable success story for] the entire Eurozone.
Ten days ago, my Government delivered Ireland’s budget for 2014, the budget that should see us exit our EU IMF Programme. We placed a strong focus in that budget, on encouraging job creation, while remaining in line with our deficit targets. For Ireland and for all of Europe, growth and jobs remain the key goals to which all our policies and programmes must contribute. I particularly appreciate, therefore, that you have placed the digital agenda and youth employment at the heart of our October meeting. Nothing should deflect us from our focus on getting our young people into the workforce and creating productive and healthy lives for themselves. I hope that is where we will indeed dedicate our attention and our political energy in the coming days.
Our young people will be the main beneficiaries if we make a positive difference to the high-potential digital sector. With Europe facing unacceptably high levels of unemployment, the reality is that most new jobs are created by fast-growing young firms in sectors such as cloud computing. And with over a quarter of digital sector employers across Europe finding it difficult to fill vacancies, there is clearly more we need to do in aligning our education and training systems with the needs of twenty-first century employers. We have no time to lose.
I look forward to seeing you and all other colleagues at our meeting tomorrow. I will take the liberty of sharing this letter with my colleagues, before meeting them tomorrow.
Yours sincerely
Enda Kenny T.D.
Taoiseach
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The same people who complain about filling out census forms are the same who then complain they can’t get their kids into local schools, heavy traffic on roads and lack of hospitals in their area. The stats are used for forward planning to apportion sufficient budgets to build utilities needed for local populations.
In my opinion, the census does not focus on the real life issues. There is a question about how many bedrooms you have yet nothing about your disposable income. It should be utilized as an opportunity to see how our citizens live on a daily basis as well as the forward planning you mentioned. A great opportunity missed….
At first I was thinking yes prosecute the lazy so and soes. But then I think who will be hurt by them not filling them in? Them and their family because they are not represented. So f them I got mine!
Please point out where a census has ever been used for forward planning in providing hospitals, roads ect.
Silc and the QNHS surveys cover disposable income
They’re partially used for forward planning i.e. the smaller issues such as schools but when it comes major issues such as hospitals it’s irrelevant. Children’s Hospital at St. James anyone?
Remember, most politicians will do something for their area as opposed to the nation ***cough Kerrry cough*****. They’d have 5 lane motorway, state of the art hospitals, universities, airports, schools if the Haley Ray’s got everything on their government wish list and the CSO stats wouldn’t even be considered by either party.
Using the threat of prosecution to force someone to do what they do not want to do is not right. It should be your own choice to fill out any form. The Nazis forced Jews to complete census forms before they were slaughtered. Not that that will happen here but census information can be used for good and bad. Liberty should take preference
Those STATS could also be used for the Government to spy on its own people.
the census needs to count the people who enter and leave the state not Government meddling into peoples lives. why does the government want to know how many rooms i need? strange is in it?
Paranoia. What bad can it be used for?
An important part of the census for me is the religion part. We are considered to be 90% catholic which is not my experience maybe I’m wrong but that’s what the census is about.
Kevin, it will tell what % of the population live in a house too big/small for them.
Oh and it’s nothing to do with money. OK everything is going to be just grand and dandy if we fill out these forms.
The census is anonymous Deborah so it’s the population in general who suffet
If my great grandparents hadn’t filled theirs out , I wouldn’t have found out I had a gran aunt and gran uncle who didn’t live past their teenage years.. So thank you Daniel and Ellen Foley
Lovely story.
It’s ridiculous that people can’t grasp that the information they provide is important for the running of services in communities all over Ireland. Besides, Google and Facebook have 10 times the information about you yet no one seems to care and they only want the information to make money. Your bank probably has more info on you than anything in the census too (where you shop, when, how, why, how much you earn, where you work) yet no one cares. But being asked to answer a few simple questions and everyone seems to suddedly care about privacy? Don’t get it…
some of these commenters can barely grasp how to use a keyboard
And yet they seem to be keyboard warriors..
@Daragh.
‘ the information they provide is important for the running of services in communities all over Ireland.’
Any proof of that Daragh?
It’s a fair question.
Where’s the historical proof that the data collected from the census helps create a better society?
Just about every single capital expenditure by the government uses census data to support its business case. When you here projected numbers for road usage, pensions, housing, schools etc where do you think the data comes from ?
This is very basic information given. It helps the civil service to determine policies and what needs to be done going forward. For example, if there is an increase in young children, schools are looked at, etc by the relevant departments. They are not going to release that information. The banks actually hold way more confidential information than the census. They civil service needs to know how the population is going, so it can plan policies for the future and allocate money to areas for services to the people.
Agreed, it’s farcical. A school that won’t be built for 20 years or more won’t arrive any faster due to the census. Roads that are badly needed (Limerick/Cork anyone?) won’t be built either nor will roads be upgraded. The questions about water supply is only for one thing and there were other questions that I was deeply unhappy answering.
What were you “deeply unhappy” answering?
Most likely its just laziness and they couldn’t be bothered
It’s wilful ignorance and suspicion in my experience. “Tell dem nutting”
Morons, basically
Yes we’ll prosecute people who didn’t bother filling in a form they’re a real threat to society
Well Alan, because they refuse to help the wider society to be able to plan for the future by refusing to tell the enumerator their demographic information, they are harming the wider society. Their refusal makes it more difficult to plan hospitals, schools, roads, care placements etc.
Alan b
You Sit are a fool
Sir not Sit
Oh the irony
I filled it in only because it only took me about 5 minutes and I couldn’t be ar*ed dealing with somebody calling back and annoying me but could someone please explain how on earth when it takes about 15 years to get a school built or upgraded in this country or when the health service has tens of thousands on waiting list can they say that it’s used to provide adequate services… Don’t be daft.
Stop now or someone will label you as a dissident fringe type for asking a common sense question. Shouldn’t we know when our betters ask questions, not to worry about why? The school you have been waiting for 20 years to get will arrive some time. Why do you need a census when all it does is to remind you that it was the local political hack who initially asked for the school and his son or daughter, now in his seat, can continue the fight to get this ‘essential service’?
Paddy it is used to provide information for public service delivery. Obviously it cannot guarantee the delivery of that service as that depends on other factors.
There are a lot of paranoid and ignorant idiots posting on this topic. Go on to the CSO website and find out what the data is used for. It’s fascinating. And also essential in a modern economy.
Even if they cooperated and all data given, the gov would still make a mess of the planning anyway.
But the whole premise of the thing is that it is used to plan for services. If it’s not then what’s the whole point of handing a state contract worth millions to a company to carry it out ? … Ah never mind.. I kinda answered my own question there didn’t I ? There’s a contract worth millions involved…
If you refused to fill it in I hope you refuse any services too.
NO.
Definitely not.
I didn’t fill in the census form. But I’m not a criminal. I refused on principle.
For two reasons.
1. The census form is far too invasive.
Giving anyone that much information is dangerous. A government data bank of that size can only mean one thing.
Totalitarianism.
2. Filling in the census form is a pointless waste of time.
We’ve had census information since the beginning of the last century and that information has done no good whatsoever. Look at the state of the country.
No housing.
No proper health care.
Not enough schools.
No broadband.
If anyone wants to try and convince me that the political establishment in this country will use the data collected in the census as a blueprint for a better society in the coming decades then you’re welcome to try.
But our task will be in vain.
Why?
Because you have no historical evidence to support that argument.
No jobs.
So you don;t have a pps number either then, eh? Or an IP address or an actual home address, a phone number, utility bill, drivers licence, birth cert, marriage cert etc etc?
The information collected by the census is pretty mundane.
Tinfoil hat much?
Idiotic nonsense! Educate yourself by reading this: http://www.cbs.gov.il/census/census/pnimi_sub_page_e.html?id_topic=1&id_subtopic=5
I assume then that you are willing to opt out of any services offered by the government in return then? If not willing to take part to play your part it’s only fair you write to them asking you to be taken off from any state benefits also so they don’t have to contribute to you?
So basically you haven’t told the government what you and your family need. Are they supposed to guess?
Gobsh@te
@Greg Kelly.
‘I assume then that you are willing to opt out of any services offered by the government in return then?’
I pay my taxes.
End of.
Just as I thought.
No convincing argument.
i think he might have been scared off by your tinfoil hat…
If you despise The Man so much, maybe you should stop accepting dole money from him. Or maybe emigrate, and take your paranoia and conspiracy theories elsewhere. It’s a census. Every country does it. The people who come out with that sort of drivel are generally the ones who have way too much time on their hands.
I go into the utility room and turn on the tumble dryer any time I’m having a conversation which might reveal anything about myself. Either that, or I use cue cards. I think the CIA/local Gardai may have my house bugged. I’m very wary about this ice cream van that cruises up and down the street every so often. Who eats ice cream in this weather? Think about it.
@Can’t think.
Dole money?
Some hope. I’m self employed.
You keep signing your life away though.
Mmmm. Sure. ‘They’re onto us Cyril!! Go go go!!’
It comes as no surprise that you couldn’t get anybody to employ you.
‘It comes as no surprise that you couldn’t get anybody to employ you.’
I prefer working for myself thanks.
So maybe you don’t pay ALL of your taxes hmmmm
A lot of people who do nothing describe themselves as self-employed. More palatable.
You’re wasted here……….you should be over on the Daily Mail.
If your going to prosecute those who failed to co operate with the census, surely we should prosecute those who fail to vote on election days?
nah
You aren’t legally obliged to vote..
In a situation where you are uneducated on the question it’s best if you don’t in fact vote rather than influence something you don’t understand. There is no situation where it is not beneficial for yourself and society to fill our your census.
I’d say if your going to prosecute those who failed to co operate with the census, then we should prosecute those in power who don’t act on the information we give them in the census.
Maybe prosecute bankers and politicians, expense fiddlers, and gardai who are currupt, commissions who destroy documents and mobile phone records, white collar criminals.
Then once all that is finished maybe worry about the odd person who values their privacy, and doesn’t trust nosey enumerators, gossiping about people and unsealed forms.
Would you not agree that citizenship includes a duty to both inform yourself of the question, and then participate to the best of your ability?
Shouldn’t there be a “refuse to answer” option in this poll so that these people can speak up for themselves?
No
Thanks for your feedback Joe. I’ll need to take some time to work out the finer detail of your response before I’ll know exactly where you stand on my suggestion to extend social inclusivity to those who actively don’t want to be included by giving them the means to engage without actually contributing anything useful. I’ll get back to you :-)
My census is still sitting on my shelf waiting to be collected. It will be interesting to see if I get a summons
@Maggie Elizabeth Walsh.
Never heard of an post?
There’s no post office in her area because the government thought nobody lived there.
It’s all the conspiracy theorists who think the government are out to get them through the census.
Fine Gael?
They are.
Are the irony is they make actually come and get them for not filling it in
They are vital ! Jesus and Mary didn’t complain and they had to travel a good distance to report for the census ! Says it in the bible ! Yours is delivered to yer door … same as the water to your taps and your loos !!!
Grand, lets all do it because they did it in a fairytale!!!
26% economic growth?
Fairytale economics.
26% increase in Gross Domestic Product?
traditional economic measures proving clumsy
Prosecute the people with multiple violent convictions first. Then we can talk about prosecuting people who don’t participate in box ticking exercises.
How about we do both?
The heavy handed state again, passing the info to the dictators in EU.
Which ones? Hitler?
the state dropping the heavy hand
Why should you be prosecuted for doing nothing, surely a better system is available?
I’d be against any automatic prosecution process involving this state. I’d also (given the retched excuse for a political system we have) oppose any prosecutions for not filling in a census form, when so many politicians and councilors failed to disclose assets, property, business interests, directorships, etc. (as revealed during the Prime Time Investigates show last year – in case people have forgotten that part of the show and only remember councilors seeking unethical/illegal payments).
Of course the should’nt, ridiculous idea, whats next, people who refuse to “insert answer here”
The Census is an important state document and the pressure on people to both fill it out, and fill it out properly should be maintained. In fact, they should come back around a second time unannounced and do spot checks here and there to make sure people are filling them out truthfully. Anyone then found to be intentionally misleading should be prosecuted too.
Yeah Undie they could make sure everyone who ticks the box for Catholic goes to mass every week.
With a Nazi uniform on ,come into my property demanding answers ,i suggest you write down your blood group on your Nazi dogtags ,
It should be scrapped. The super detailed Census has been made redundant by open access to our services for all citizens of the EU. Forward Planning can be achieved using other methods. Few civil servants might lose their jobs though. Maybe that’s why we all have it.
“.Still have it”
It’s just a stock take
The atats are used by the government to manipulate scenarios like now we need more politicians total farce
Would organising a census night sleepover and inviting all of your 500 Facebook friends over ( bring your own census form) be illegal ? It certainly would stand out in Irish GDP proportions against the national norm for a 3 bed semi.
It might be more interesting if four million people left their homes and went camping for a couple of days.
Hey if you could be bothered to do that the results would be interesting though why anyone would do that is weird and a waste of energy but you know.
Deborah __ I think it’s probably more of a waste of time replying to my comment, but I look forward to your attendance at the flash-mob camping trip at the next census, along with the 3,999,998 other people. :p
The government do a pretty poor job of taking care of peoples needs as it is, so we should give them them the information so that we can gain some small fraction of the required services from them, otherwise they would think that everything is great is great and continue looking after thier rich friends even more.
Vote for me or I will shoot you.
Yes we don’t have enough pointless legal issues to keep all the lawyers and judges in our commercial court services in business. And suspended sentences for everyone in the audience. Ireland is a legal joke internationally. Just like a little USA. I wonder how many people would consider suing me just for making this statement.
jaysus suspended sentencing references are popping up like pokemon
Problem is pokemon are digital code displayed on your phone whereas suspended sentences are all to real.
I think it better if the law was changed so a judge could order the authorities to ‘find’ or ‘discover’ the required information and pass the extra cost of this procedure onto the anti-social in question by way of fine.
We should stand up against this government and their imposition of odious questions
#cantsaywontsay
I thought you were from N. Ireland Alphanautica?
Some question are important but the rest like what religion you are and how many rooms in your house are not? Unless there is going to be a new tax on rooms?
Should only be able to ask how manys in the family home and names..nothing else is their buisness.fook them.
Yes, fook them. Fook them and fook their dole money.
When i was informed my census form was “missing ” and handed another form i asked ” Where is the form with all my personal information “? all i was told to fill in this i refused and was told “her supervisor would want to see me and did i want to be brought to court ” ? I reminded this cow that she was on “Private property and i dont like been threatened , she and her supervisor would be treated as trespassers and would be treated like that i reminder her of the act .Let me remind you or the person from the company contracted to collect census forms that they are on private property and when asked to leave should do so as they are trespassing …..It is an offense to trespass in a manner likely to cause fear in another person under Section 13 of the Act. There is no inclusion of any intent to commit a crime or to interfere with property in this section.”"”" .Never heard another word
Some people would stop for a green light and go through a red, just because it’s the wrong thing to do.
Apartment management companies who refused to cooperate with thr enumerators should be heavily fined.
Vital information about population is needed. Everyone needs to take part.
Why bother wasting money on legal fees. They would most likely get legal aid and a fine which would never be paid. Just let it go.
somewhere, somehow, legal aid is to blame
Not at all. All they’d have to do next time is put a section in that asks about your neighbours.
The people
Form
The Irish question should be prosecuted for falsely presenting questions. I have never heard a person speaking Irish in Dublin on public transport or on the streets. I have never heard it being spoken in a workplace and I have visited hundreds though work. If I did I would assume it was a subversive reason. Yet the census tells us so many speak Irish as a result of the figures in the statistics. Also I have never heard it spoken in Sligo Galway Clare Kerry Cork etc.
How can someone’s right to autonomy be prosecuted, Ireland is feeling more and more like a dictatorship every day, feck off with ya
What ever happened to civic duty?
I have
have your say