Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 22, inclusive, together.

Ireland submitted its 2024 national reform programme, NRP, to the European Commission on 30 April. The NRP was subsequently also laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and published. The NRP is an element of the European semester, the annual cycle of economic and social policy co-ordination among EU member states. As part of the semester, Ireland, along with other member states, has been required to prepare and submit an NRP to the European Commission each year.

The NRP provides an overview of economic reforms and policy actions under way in Ireland, including responses to country-specific recommendations received from the Commission. Since 2022, the NRP also reports on implementation of the recovery and resilience facility, RFF. Thematic issues addressed in Ireland’s 2024 NRP include climate action and the environment; housing; the digital transition; supporting participation in the labour market; supporting enterprise; promoting balanced, fair and inclusive development; and planning for the future and long-term fiscal sustainability. Development of the NRP was co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach, with input from relevant Departments and agencies. It drew on Government strategies such as the national development plan, Housing for All, and the climate action plan. During the NRP's preparation, stakeholders were also invited to make submissions.

In April this year, reforms to the EU economic governance framework came into force. The reforms aim to strengthen debt sustainability and enhance sustainable and inclusive economic growth through investment and reform. Under the new framework, Ireland will need to commit to a five-year plan setting out a path for net expenditure and including information on investments and reforms relating to the European semester and the EU’s common priorities. As part of the new framework, Ireland will be required to submit an annual progress report, which will in effect replace the current NRP process. As such, this year’s NRP is the last that Ireland will be required to submit.

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