Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan will address leading medical consultants from RCSI and Connolly Hospital at a lecture this evening entitled ‘Strategies for Ireland’s Economic Renewal’.

Speaking at the lecture, Minister Lenihan said: “The common good of this country requires, first and foremost, economic renewal. This renewal and return to economic growth will ensure that we have the resources available to provide essential public services.”

Minister Lenihan continued: “To achieve economic renewal we must address three key factors. The first is to get the public finances back in order: that work is well underway. The second is restoring our competitiveness by reducing our cost base; which is also underway. The final key ingredient is a healthy banking system that will serve the needs of the wider economy. This week we have presented these proposals and their details to the Irish people.”

The lecture was held as part of RCSI’s annual Academic Meeting to discuss clinical teaching within RCSI. This year the meeting took place in Connolly Hospital, one of RCSI’s principal teaching hospitals.

Professor Cathal Kelly, Dean/CEO Designate, RCSI, said: “Connolly Hospital is at the forefront in ensuring the highest standards in training the future generation of medical professionals in Ireland. RCSI greatly values our educational partnership with Connolly Hospital and the clinicians whose extensive contribution towards the delivery of our teaching programme is pivotal to its continued success.”