Vol. 428 No. 1
116 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which it is proposed to guarantee the independence of the chairperson of the National Economic and Social Forum; and if this appointment will be made by agreement between the Government and the Opposition.
The Government has given a firm commitment, in the "Programme for a Partnership Government" that the chairperson of the National Economic and Social Forum will be independent, as indeed will its secretariat which is to be provided by the Irish Productivity Centre.
The question of a suitable independent chairperson will form part of the consultative process currently being undertaken by the Minister of State at the Office of the Tánaiste, Deputy Eithne Fitzgerald. This process includes discussions with the Opposition, and following these consultations the Government will announce the name of the independent chairperson.
