Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.

I addressed the IBEC president's dinner on 22 June and met with representatives of IBEC on 20 July. I addressed the IBEC HR leadership summit last week. I spoke at the biennial conference of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, on 4 July and met with officials from ICTU on 28 June, in advance of that conference.

At my meetings with employer and trade union representatives I outlined the Government's approach to restoring economic and fiscal stability and the importance of the jobs agenda, which is at the heart of our programme. Our discussions also covered a broad range of issues of mutual concern.

I met representatives of the Irish Farmers Association on 12 July last and also met members of the wider farming community at the National Ploughing Championships on 22 September. I met representatives of all the social partnership organisations, including the environmental pillar and the community and voluntary pillar, when I addressed the inaugural meeting of the new National Economic and Social Council on 17 June.

In all of these engagements I confirmed my intention to follow up these meetings as part of a wider process of social dialogue. In particular, I anticipate meeting some of the social partners, along with the Tánaiste, in November. I also envisage an enhanced role for the National Economic and Social Council, as a vehicle for dialogue on the economic, social and environmental challenges facing the country.

I look forward to future contacts with the social partners as part of the Government's efforts to ensure economic and social recovery.

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