Business leaders from North and South today met An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD at an IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council forum in Trinity College, and called for coordinated action on energy and education to boost the all-island economy.
Speaking at the forum, IBEC President Tom Noonan said there was significant scope to build on previous all-island initiatives on energy, to address concerns about security of supply and cost.
“Securing quality and secure energy supplies is an obvious area where more cooperation across the island could yield significant benefits. The completion of the all-island energy market is welcome, but much more can be done,” he said.
Calling on the governments to maintain budget expenditure on strategic infrastructure and energy efficiency initiatives, Mr Noonan said the two governments must together promote the transition to a low carbon all-island economy. Mr Noonan also called for cross-border research programmes to advance the use of renewable energy and promote efficiency.
"Governments both North and South must pursue policies to ensure companies will invest and deliver the required low carbon and energy efficient products and services that are needed. The enormous potential of business to innovate and tackle climate change has yet to be realised. Prioritising energy efficiency can deliver real competitive advantages, while simultaneously reducing emissions,” he said.
The forum also addressed the need for strong cross-border cooperation on education and training. CBI Northern Ireland President Brian Ambrose said: “A strong focus on education and training and increased levels of investment in research, technology and innovation is vital to the success of the all-island economy. In these challenging economic times, it is crucial that we remain attractive to international investors.
“The declining numbers opting for third level courses in science and engineering on both sides of the border is worrying. A joint approach should be explored to boost interest in these areas through curriculum reform and better professional development for teachers.”
Mr Ambrose called for a common approach by the two governments towards provision of ICT in the classroom, and he recommended the successful Northern Ireland programme as a role-model for the island as a whole.
Caption: Business leaders from North and South on 2 October 2008 met An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD at an IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council forum in Trinity College, and called for coordinated action on energy and education to boost the all-island economy. Speaking at the forum, IBEC President Tom Noonan said there was significant scope to build on previous all-island initiatives on energy, to address concerns about security of supply and costs. Pictured at the event were Reg McCabe, Chief Executive JBC, IBEC President Tom Noonan, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, T.D, CBI Northern Ireland President, Brian Ambrose and John Hegarty, Provost, Trinity College Dublin.