Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together.

Deputies will be aware of the recent Government decision to amalgamate the three constituent bodies of the National Economic and Social Development Office by absorbing the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF, and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance, NCPP, into the National Economic and Social Council, NESC.

The two bodies have been dissolved with effect from 1 April 2010 by orders which have been made under section 34 of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006. During this year, the NESC will further adapt its work programme to ensure that appropriate aspects of the work of the NESF and NCPP are continued, while focusing on economic and social aspects of the ongoing crisis, including support for those who have lost their jobs, as well as on completion of its report on the role of the European Union in Ireland's economic and social development.

The NESC has embarked on a new study of Ireland's services to the unemployed and active labour market policies. In addition, the council is beginning work on two other projects, namely, economic restructuring and enterprise adjustment in the crisis and service quality and provision in constrained public budgets.

Following the dissolution of the two bodies, the National Economic and Social Development Office continues as the statutory agency that employs all staff and provides all administration and support services for the NESC, and submits to Government all reports, recommendations and conclusions arising from any projects carried out by the NESC. It also arranges for the publication of such items. The director of the NESC is also the chief officer of the NESDO.

Under the legislation it is possible in the future, if the Government so decides, that other bodies could be created within the NESDO framework without the need for separate administrative support. This is a useful facility which can remain available to this and future Governments. Its continuation gives rise to no substantive additional costs beyond those of the NESC itself.

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