The NSRF and this OP also reflect the National Reform Programme (NRP)(Note 11) which was submitted in October 2005. This brought together a wide range of policies and initiatives, the implementation of which were aimed at sustaining Ireland’s strong economic performance and employment growth. The NRP identifies three broad policy areas: macro-economic policy, micro-economic policy and employment policy. In addressing the Lisbon goals, the NRP states that global markets and global competition characterise the environment within which the Irish economy must prosper and compete as part of the EU of 27 Member States.
Within the NRP, the need to maintain competitiveness and improve productivity is paramount. Ireland is committed to sustaining linkages between economic performance and social policy and a fair, just and inclusive society. The National Reform Programme makes specific commitments in the areas of:
R&D investment targets up to 2013,
encouraging greater levels of innovation and entrepreneurship, across the enterprise sector, with particular focus on SMEs, and
improving labour supply through intensified measures to address specific target groups in the inactive population.
A Progress Report on the NRP submitted in October 2006 (note 12) re-confirmed the Irish Government’s commitment, working with the Social Partners, to the pursuit of improved quality of life and living standards for all and its recognition of the interdependence of social equity and sustainable development with economic growth and improved employment opportunities.
The implementation of the development strategy, priority objectives and selected interventions as outlined in this OP will contribute to Ireland meeting its commitments as set out in the National Reform Programme and in accordance with article 29(1) of the general regulation, the annual report on the implementation of the national Reform Programme will include a concise section on the contribution of the OP to the implementation of the National Reform Programme
Note 11 National Reform Programme is available at www.taoiseach.gov.ie/attached _files/Pdf%20files/lisbonagenda.pdf
Note 12 The dedicated website www.lisbonagenda .ie contains the 2006 Progress Report
