Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom Ceisteanna Uimh. 9 go 15, go huile, a thógáil le chéile.

Tugann an Chomhairle Náisiúnta Eacnamaíoch agus Shóisialta comhairle dom ar shaincheisteanna beartais straitéisigh a bhaineann le forbairt inbhuanaithe eacnamaíoch shóisialta agus chomhshaoil in Éirinn.

The National Economic and Social Council, NESC, advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland. NESC is currently working on four main areas, the first is which is "A Thriving Ireland: Foundations and Actions". Throughout 2023 NESC engaged in a programme of activities to mark its establishment in 1973. The NESC at 50 programme, culminating in a conference at which I spoke in November to mark its 50th anniversary, focused on the question of how Ireland can thrive. In 2024, the council will produce a special publication to summarise and reflect the wide range of inputs and ideas discussed at the November conference. It is expected that its publication will be finalised in quarter 2 of 2024.

The second area of focus is on good jobs. The programme for Government outlines the need for a concerted policy focus on increasing the number of quality and sustainable jobs in the labour market. The Government has introduced a series of measures designed to improve employees' terms and conditions. This project examines job quality and the range of benefits it can provide for employees, enterprises and wider society. It is also explores what is meant by "good jobs" and the range of public and private sector actions needed to improve job quality. It is expected that the report will be published in quarter 2 of 2024.

The third area of focus is housing. NESC is currently examining options that will help to better realise affordable, integrated and sustainable residential development. It is expected that NESC will publish this work in quarter 2 of 2024.

The fourth area of focus is the just energy transition and the shared island initiative. In Government we are working hard to ensure that Ireland captures the full potential associated with cleaner energy. This NESC project will develop a shared vision and understanding of the role of clean energy and challenges and implications for the economy, society and environment. The project will focus on power and heat services of the energy system on an all-island basis. It will examine energy poverty, the changing relationship between households and the energy system, and the economic benefits and enterprise opportunities arising from investment in clean energy infrastructure. It is expected that this report will be completed in quarter 1 of 2025.

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