Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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166. To ask the Taoiseach if the Government will be reviewing its processes and timescale for consultation and engagement with civil society regarding the development of the 2014 EU National Reform Programme following the exit from the bailout programme and given that Ireland is now subject to the full EU semester process and in view of the call from the EU Commission in their communication on the Annual Growth Survey on 13 November 2013 last for greater involvement of national parliaments, social partners and civil partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2253/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Having exited the EU/IMF Programme of Support, Ireland is participating fully in the 2014 European Semester process. As the Deputy will be aware, this is the fourth European Semester cycle, the third under the enhanced governance arrangements introduced by the six-pack, and the first under the further enhancements introduced by the two-pack.

This year’s semester commenced in November with the publication of the Annual Growth Survey and the Alert Mechanism Report. We fully support the Commission’s continued emphasis on five main priorities over the coming year:

- Pursuing differentiated, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation;

- Restoring lending to the economy;

- Promoting growth and competitiveness for today and tomorrow;

- Tackling unemployment and the social consequences of the crisis;

- Modernising public administration.

On the basis of the Annual Growth Survey the Spring European Council will adopt political orientations to be taken into account by Member States when finalising 2014 National Reform Programmes (NRP) and Stability or Convergence Programmes.

Relevant Government Departments have had preliminary engagements with the European Commission in relation to the Semester, and this engagement will continue over the coming months as we prepare our NRP for submission to the Commission in April.

The input and engagement of stakeholders is an important and valuable part of the process. It is envisaged that stakeholders will engage with relevant Departments in respect of the policy areas likely to feature in our new NRP, and that they will also be given an opportunity to input to the process as the composite NRP is being finalised.