Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies for their contributions. Like others here I also spent some time on the NESF so I am aware of the background to the various points made and understand where they originate. However, we are dealing specifically with the relationship between the National Economic and Social Council and the Government

I cannot agree to the amendment and will explain why, in the hope of achieving a degree of consensus as we do in the process of partnership. Deputy Bruton formerly served in Government in the key economic post of Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, but made no changes to the role of the NESC which, as now, was to advise Government. The distinction must be made between a Government seeking advice from the NESC, which is a representative organisation, and acting on it. As we are often told, we are here to govern.

Broader issues concerning the nature of democracy were raised and, as Chief Whip, I have endeavoured to encourage more debate on a variety of issues, which Opposition Whips will confirm. At the moment a line of reporting exists from the NESC to Government but the Deputy suggests there should be another line to the Oireachtas. I cannot agree to that but the Oireachtas can debate any reports published and express its views, and the material in reports is not binding. However, we cannot involve the Oireachtas in a process before a report is finalised because of the responsibilities we have as a Government.

My party was heavily involved in setting up the process of social partnership and saw it as a good idea though other parties, including Fine Gael, did not agree at the time. Since then, however, it has embraced social partnership, as have all parties. The NESC produces important documents and strategies, and all bodies, such as the NESF and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, are very important for this country. The newest one, the NCPP, is looking closely at how we operate our workplaces from the point of view of innovation, work practices etc. The amount of work it has on stream will be helpful to whichever Government is in power.

The NESC has completed its three-yearly strategic overview of Irish economic and social policy entitled the NESC Strategy 2006: People, Productivity and Purpose, paving the way for negotiations on the successor to Sustaining Progress, in which context it is timely that we are discussing it today. In May 2005 the NESC completed a study entitled The Developmental Welfare State and, in December 2004, a report on housing in Ireland, entitled Performance and Policy. The coming months will see the completion of a study on migration policy, which is well advanced. The NESC will also complete a report on the Lisbon strategy, focusing on the open method of co-ordination, and further studies nearing completion include a study of child poverty and child income support. Work should also commence in 2006 on the Council's first periodic social report and it will make a significant contribution to the knowledge society foresight exercise. The Council will also consider this year how best to address other items in its current work programme, including taxation policy and competition and regulation in networked sectors.

I refer to those examples to emphasise that there are useful reports and strategies to debate. To address the points the Deputy has made I would be more than happy to talk with Opposition Whips and collectively select a number of strategies and reports to debate here in the months ahead. Governments, irrespective of their hue, are there to govern. This body exists to advise the Government and, while I strongly disagree with putting in another layer, I do not suggest that the Members of this House, as public representatives, should not discuss these reports in plenary or committee session.

Having listened to Leaders' and Ministers' Questions, I disagree with the points raised because there are plenty of opportunities for accountability. It is important that this structured issue, which specifically concerns the NESC, goes to Government. That is not to say it should not be debated in this House and I would support such a measure.

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