Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 12th March, 1999) presented the Excellence Through People Awards at a ceremony in the Sligo Park Hotel.

Speaking at the ceremony the Tánaiste said "I am very happy to be here today to present the Excellence Through People Awards. Today's awards go to a mix of overseas and indigenous organisations which represent both the private and public sectors. There is also a mix of various activities ranging from the manufacture of food products, to healthcare products, crystal and yarn production. I am pleased to see an increasing number of public sector organisations achieving the Excellence Through People award. Just as companies operating on a commercial basis need to invest in training, it is equally important for the public sector to do so in order to improve the efficiency and quality of the services which they deliver."

The Tánaiste said "People are the lifeblood of all organisations. Enterprises grow and develop through the efforts, dedication and innovation of their staff at all levels. Excellence Through People is all about encouraging, recognising and rewarding developmental efforts."

The Award is more than a paper qualificationas as the Excellence Through People assessors provide invaluable input to the strategy of the organisations involved. And the review process means that there is an ongoing impetus to ensure that standards are not just maintained, but continuously improved. The Tánaiste said "I know that for some companies represented here today, you are following the achievement of other Business Units in your Company in receiving the award. However, I note that there are a number of "firsts" amongst those receiving the Award today: Sligo Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the first Chamber to receive Excellence Through People. Not only did the Chamber work with FAS to promote the scheme in Sligo, but they have shown real commitment by meeting the standard themselves; Burtonport Fisherman's Co-op is the first Co-op to receive the award; Trocaire is the first Trust to obtain the award; and I understand the sections of the North West Health Board here today are the first Health Board sections to receive Excellence Through People."

The 14 organisations represented at the awards ceremony employ over 2,500 people, bringing to over 23,000 the number of people employed in Excellence Through People organisations. 7 of the companies receiving the award employ less than 50 staff, and 2 of these employ less than 10 staff.

"While many large firms recognise the value of training their employees, too many small firms fail to recognise the benefits that training can bring. I want to complement the smaller firms here today for the commitment they have shown to training their staff. I hope other small firms take note and follow your example. However, all the enterprises being honoured here today have clearly demonstrated a commitment to developing their workforces. I want to compliment all of you on your commitment and I have no doubt that you will reap the benefits of your investment over the coming years," the Tánaiste concluded.