Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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111. To ask the Taoiseach if reports of the National Economic and Social Council are Government policy; and if not, the status of same. [39563/20]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The National Economic and Social Council is an independent statutory agency operating under the aegis of my Department.

The Terms of Reference and composition of the NESC are set out in legislation - the National Economic and Social Development Act, 2006, and in the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order, 2010.

The role of the Council is to analyse and report to the Taoiseach on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland.

The Council can consider these matters either on its own initiative or at the request of the Taoiseach. The Council’s reports are submitted to the Government prior to publication. As the reports are independent, they are not Government policy but they do, of course, help inform Government policy.