BRIAN COWEN'S performance during his first 100 days in office as Taoiseach has been defended by Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern who maintained that the new Government had many solid achievements to its credit during the period.
"The first 100 days of any administration are challenging as people settle into new roles and build new working relationships. Obviously, we have had our disappointments and Lisbon is the prime example but there have also been many solid achievements.
"Step by step, during a period of global economic instability, Government is holding to a steady course, determined to lead Ireland forward," said Mr Ahern.
The Government's response to the deterioration in the economy was decisive and there had been no hesitation about taking corrective action, he added.
"Our response to the economic downturn has been measured, proportionate and sensible. The set of systematic measures which we decisively announced in response to the mid-year exchequer returns will achieve real and lasting gains for the exchequer and for the delivery of public services," he said.
The Minister said that work was well under way in Government departments to ensure savings that had been announced were delivered.
"That is why the Government decided not to implement the pending increases for ministerial and parliamentary office-holders and for other senior public servants. I am also pleased that Government has informed the tribunals that no further monies will be authorised for legal teams and staffs associated with the public hearings, beyond the completion of the public hearings," said Mr Ahern.
He said the Government was also continuing to implement the programme for government and deliver on its commitments in the National Development Plan. Priority would be given to those programme commitments which were most valuable from a social and economic perspective and could be realistically achieved.
"In the first 100 days of Brian Cowen's tenure as Taoiseach substantial progress has been made across a wide range of areas by Government.
"In my own area of responsibility, we have announced a groundbreaking Justice for Victims initiative, enacted the Intoxicating Liquor Bill and published the heads of the long-awaited Civil Partnership Bill," the Minister said.
He also pointed to other areas including the launch of the country's largest rural development package, the go-ahead for the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall, and new measures to protect Dublin Bay.
