Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, the ESRI operates on an independent basis. The analysis it publishes on a regular basis on different issues is of very high quality and is carefully considered by Government and others in civic society. The additional funding I provided in the budget, in the form of a €225,000 increase in the grant, to the ESRI was to make sure there was a particular focus on the social dimension of its remit and responsibilities. It has always produced excellent analysis on economic issues and this was an area it was keen to develop further. I thought there was much merit in looking at income inequality, poverty, health, well-being and so on.

As for the shared equity scheme, the ESRI appeared before the committee during the pre-legislative scrutiny phase of that Bill. It gave its assessment and the Deputy has highlighted one part of it. It gave a full assessment of different aspects of that Bill which is absolutely its right, entitlement and duty. The Government must take that on board, as well as all the other advices it receives and all the other factors that go into making such a decision. The ESRI is listened to but that does not necessarily mean that any Government at any time has to follow to the letter everything it recommends.