Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 8, inclusive, together.

The National Economic and Social Development Office, NESDO, is the only State agency under the aegis of my Department. The NESDO was established under the NESDO Act of 2006 and is the body corporate for the National Economic and Social Council, NESC. The role of the NESDO is to advise me on all strategic matters relevant to economic and social development in the State. The role of the NESC is to report to me on strategic issues relating to the efficient development of the economy and the achievement of social justice. The council also provides a forum for engagement between the Government and the social partners. The NESC has made a major contribution to Irish public policy over almost 40 years. I have high regard for the quality and rigour of its reports and analysis, based not just on excellent research but on the quality of the deliberation among its members. Successive Governments have recognised that and that Ireland's development requires the support and contribution of a wide range of groups - economic, social and environmental. I believe the council has the potential to continue to make an important contribution in the time ahead. In that regard I have asked it to focus on more immediate and shorter term issues where the experience and insights of members will be valuable, have more frequent shorter reports and reflect the varying or individual views of its members.

In addition, following the dissolution of Comhar, its sustainable development role will be integrated into the work of the council. In this way sustainable development can be integrated into research and action on the significant national challenges we are facing.

I believe that the NESC has an important role to play as the vehicle for engagement on economic, social and environmental issues. I also believe in the importance of social dialogue. In responding to parliamentary questions in this House on 11 October, I confirmed my intention to meet with social partner organisations as part of a wider process of ongoing social dialogue. The exact details and schedule of these meetings have not yet been finalised. I look forward to future contacts with those partners as part of the Government's efforts to ensure economic and social recovery. In addition the Tánaiste and I will attend a plenary session of the council each year.

I mentioned that NESDO is the corporate body for the NESC. The changes to the NESDO over the last year or so, such as the dissolution of two constituent bodies, mean that we must look again at the legislation to make sure we have the proper governance arrangements in place and to make sure that it properly reflects the role I envisage for the NESC. My Department is doing this at the moment.

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