Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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294. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures taken to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government to strengthen current mechanisms such as the national economic dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As stated in the Programme for Government, the Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society. This is particularly important as we steer our way out of the pandemic, rebuild our economy, and support communities that have been severely impacted by Covid-19. The Department of the Taoiseach has led in this regard, taking a number of steps with a view to supporting and enhancing engagement with social partners.

As the Deputy identifies, one of my Department’s primary mechanisms in this area is the National Economic Dialogue. Planning is currently underway within the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to progress the arrangements for this year’s deliberative event in a virtual format in late June. The Dialogue provides a forum for stakeholders to participate in an open, inclusive and robust exchange on the challenges facing the economy and the options for the allocation of public resources. It is an important annual part of the budgetary process.

The aim of the Dialogue is to ensure an appropriate balance between the relevant stakeholders to facilitate discussion of budgetary issues affecting a broad social spectrum. To this end, representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups as well as business, unions, research institutes, the media, the diaspora and members of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight participate in the discussions.

I believe the National Economic Dialogue is a very constructive exercise. Decisions that have been made on the content of past budgets have been influenced by previous Dialogues and I intend to draw upon this year’s discussion when formulating Budget 2022.