Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The work programme for the National Economic and Social Council for 2003 to 2006 provided for nine reports on significant issues. The Taoiseach indicated that the council has completed reports on social welfare and housing, which I did not see on the original list, as well as one other. The council seems to be slow in coming forward with its reports. What is the status of some of the other planned reports, particularly that on migration policy, which would appear quite urgent, and the taxation system in the medium term? Is there a timescale for these and the remaining reports which formed part of the work programme?

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