Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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177. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the National Economic Dialogue Conference in June 2019. [27994/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the fifth National Economic Dialogue took place on June 26^thand 27^ththis year. This dialogue plays an integral part in the preparations for Budget 2020 and provided an opportunity to consider how best to optimise available resources in the interests of all citizens.

The aim is to foster discussion on how to best sustain and strengthen the recovery while taking account of the many competing economic and social priorities within the limited available resources.

As with previous years, this year's Dialogue had representatives from a wide variety of stakeholders, including from community, voluntary and environmental groups, businesses, unions, and the academic community. In addition a number of members of the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight also contributed to the event.

My opening remarks on “Understanding the Context: Economic Perspectives” and my closing remarks at the Dialogue are available at www.budget.gov.ie along with the paper presented at the NED. When the Chair's report is finalised it and the reports of the six rapporteurs will also be made available on that website.

I believe the National Economic Dialogue is a very constructive exercise. The Dialogues of previous years have had a material affect on the choices made in the budget. I intend to reflect on this year’s discussion when formulating Budget 2020.