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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 8

Written Answers. - NESC Work Programme.

Bertie Ahern

Question:

18 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the requests, if any, he has made to date to the NESC to study and report to the Government on particular issues. [5442/95]

The council is currently pursuing two major work programmes. The first is to undertake phase II of its work on output and employment, entitled Enterprise in the Irish Economy. In the context of this work, I have asked that the council take into account four key inputs: the recommendations of the OECD jobs study published in June 1994; the recommendations contained in the EU White Papers on growth, competitiveness and employment and on social policy and the Government's new approach to industrial policy set out in the response to the Moriarty task force.

I have also asked that the council indicate to what extent, and how, the recommendations in the OECD study and the EU White Papers should be implemented in Ireland so as to have maximum effect on employment and growth.

In relation to the NESC's second major work programme on economic and social strategy for the 21st century, I have asked that as part of this work and of the Government's general programme of preparation for the millennium, that the council prepare by end-1996 a series of reports outlining the economic, social and demographic profile of Ireland in the year 2000 and beyond.
I have asked that the council explore the possibility that the Northern Ireland Economic Council would join in this analysis on either an integrated or complementary basis and that greater co-operation be sought in relation to other studies of mutual benefit to both councils as they arise.
I am also asking that the council should present its valuable reports in accessible, uncomplicated, and unambiguous language, so that there can be the widest possible debate on its conclusions.
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