Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft:

National Economic and Social Forum and National Centre for Partnership and Performance Dissolution Order 2010,

copies of which were laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on 26 February 2010.

The profoundly changed national and international context throws up challenges that must shape the way the Government conducts its business in the coming years. Aligned to this, as Deputies will be aware, are ongoing efforts across the public service to achieve savings and avoid duplication.

The Government is keen to ensure that such decisions are made on the basis of sound, evidence-based policy. The Government has therefore considered the future role of the National Economic and Social Development Office, NESDO, in the context of the report of the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes and the recommendations of the value-for-money review of the office which was carried out last year. These took account of the evolution of policy and programmes since the various bodies were established, not least the increase in sources of policy analysis and commentary.

In light of these considerations, the Government has decided to amalgamate the three constituent bodies of NESDO by directing that the National Economic and Social Forum and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance be absorbed into the National Economic and Social Council. This approach reflects the views of many of the stakeholders, including the social partners, which were consulted, as well as staff of the office.

Under the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006, it is possible, if the Government so decides, to create other bodies within the NESDO framework. There is no such proposal under consideration at present, but it is prudent to leave NESDO in place as a potential shared services provider, as it will give rise to no substantive additional costs beyond those of the NESC.

The NESF and the NCPP have played a valuable role over the last number of years in advising the Government on policies to achieve greater equality and social inclusion and on promoting and facilitating partnership-led change in the Irish workplace. The excellent work of all staff involved in both of these bodies, together with the contributions made by all the social partners and Members of this House, was an integral part of the success of the two bodies and it is appropriate that we acknowledge that today. I formally acknowledge the contribution of Ms Maureen Gaffney, chairperson of the NESF, and Mr. Peter Cassells, chairman of the NCPP.

The overall grant-in-aid allocation for NESDO in this Department's Estimate for 2010 is €3.854 million, representing a decrease of €1.205 million over the 2009 Estimate. Work is still ongoing to finalise the transitional arrangements for the bodies and I expect that further savings will rise in future years as a result of the amalgamation.

The decision to dissolve the NESF and the NCPP does not reflect any diminution of the Government's support for social dialogue, and the NESF will continue as a forum for engagement between the Government and the social partners on strategic, economic and social issues over the period ahead. During 2010, the NESC will adapt its work programme to ensure that appropriate aspects of the work of the NESF and NCPP are continued, while also focusing on economic and social aspects of the ongoing crisis. The new arrangements will provide for a continued strong contribution by the social partners to the development of economic and social policy through a more streamlined structure, while also delivering substantial savings to the Exchequer. I would welcome a strengthening of the engagement of the Oireachtas with the work of the NESC, in particular through discussion of the council's reports by the relevant committees. I look forward to the debate.

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