Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There is no lack of clarity about this. The Tánaiste, when speaking at the SIPTU conference, outlined the nature of the dialogue that will take place. Commencing in November, the Government will invite lead social partner organisations to bilateral meetings. That is clear. These meetings will involve senior Government Ministers, including the Tánaiste other Ministers and myself. Our intention is that these meetings will take place on a regular and period basis, focusing on matters of current concern. For instance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will lead the discussions on public sector management and implementation of the Croke Park Agreement while the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will lead on issues to do with employment regulation. That, too, is clear.

In addition, to develop a strong role for the social partners in finding solutions to common problems, we will re-engage the National Economic and Social Council. I, as Taoiseach, and the Tánaiste will undertake to attend a plenary session of the council each year. We do not seek consensus for its own sake. We must learn from past failures of social partnership, including the need to respect the role of the Oireachtas and the role of Government. Given the scale of our difficulties and the challenges facing our country, we must work together in the interests of the country and our people. That is the structure of the process in which we will engage.

It could not be clearer. I will be happy to debate any issues that emerge during the bilateral meetings and the outcomes of the plenary session of the National Economic and Social Council, NESC.

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