Bertie Ahern
Question:32 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the studies planned, currently being carried out or recently completed by NESC. [13405/95]
Written Answers. - NESC Studies.
Since I last answered the Deputy in April of this year, the Work Programme of NESC has been developed in the light of the requests which I have made and the Council's own discussions since the nomination of a new Council in May. The Council's work programme is now as follows:
(1) Phase II of the Council's work on output and employment: Employment and Enterprise in the Irish Economy. This comprises three studies:
(i) Ireland's Investment Performance;
(ii) Enterprise Support Policies in Dynamic Growth Regions in Europe;
(iii) Competitive Advantage and Clusters in the Irish Economy: A Study of Selected Manufacturing and Service Activities.
Consultants' reports on these subjects will be received by the Council in December 1995, March 1996 and June 1996 and the Council will publish policy recommendations during 1996.
(2) Challenges for the European Union: Cohesion, Competitiveness and Enlargement.
This is currently being undertaken by the Council and is set to be completed by the end of 1995.
(3)Socio-Demographic Trends: Implications for Social Policy.
This study will involve both NESC Secretariat and consultants. It is due to be completed in mid-1996.
(4)Economic and Social Strategy for the 21st Century.
This will be the main item on the council's agenda during 1996.
Having completed these projects, the Council will consider undertaking work on two further topics:
(5)The Island Economy.
(6)Developing the Consensus Approach to Policy-Making and Implementation.
Further details of each of these projects are contained in the document on the Work Programme which I have had laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The most recent publication by the Council wasNew Approaches to Rural Development Report No. 97. This report was completed by the Council in November 1994 and launched publicly in February 1995.
Finally, I would like to confirm that, as I promised the Deputy last April, I have conveyed to NESC his comments as regards the need for the implications for Ireland of Economic and Monetary Union to be fully examined. I understand that the new Council has reformulated its approach to study number 2 which I have mentionedChallenges for European Union: Cohesion Competitiveness and Enlargement so as to ensure this matter is comprehensively dealt with.