Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I would certainly like to see us move towards a proper civic forum, as put forward in the Good Friday Agreement, as soon as possible.

On the National Economic and Social Development Office, NESDO, the published Estimates for 2006 show an estimated allocation of €1.96 million, which represents a significant increase of 88% on the previous allocation. The Estimate is intended to reflect the significant agenda of the body and the importance of its work in promoting greater participation and innovation in the workplace, including development and implementation of the national workplace strategy. The forum on the workplace has issued its reports and it is for implementing these that the funding will be available. The resources for this were spelt out last year so this allocation is to allow the work of the forum on the workplace to be carried out during the year.

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