Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Taoiseach aware that the latest NESF report published yesterday points out that we now have a wealthier society but a more unequal one, with the wealthiest 20% of the working age population earning 12 times more than the lowest paid 20%, the least well off? Does he acknowledge he has repeatedly indicated to this House that he and his Cabinet colleagues take the NESF reports seriously and give them due consideration in the formulation of policy and approach? Would the Taoiseach agree that if he had taken on board what the NESF had said over a number of years, there would not now be such a gap between rich and poor in our society?

The NESF has repeatedly pointed out measures which should be taken by Government in order to tackle the inequalities in society. What mechanism, if any, is there to proof Government policies against the consequences which have been demonstrated by this most recent NESF report? In other words, what mechanism will the Taoiseach introduce to ensure Government policies are NESF-proofed and that this latest report will be factored into all future consideration?

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