Vol. 478 No. 1
28 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum which have been implemented; and if he will give details of each recommendation which has not been implemented. [10703/97]
The National Economic and Social Forum was established in 1993 by the Government to develop economic and social policy initiatives, particularly initiatives to combat unemployment, and to contribute to the formation of a national consensus on social and economic matters.
With the wide ranging reports and opinions it has published to date, the forum has had a considerable influence on the development of public policy in a number of key areas as was already evidenced in the forum's first periodic report. This has been widely acknowledged. For example, the forum has made a significant contribution to the ongoing development of policy in the areas of long-term unemployment, local development, income maintenance strategies, the delivery of social services, job creation initiatives and equality issues.
The forum has produced a report and two opinions on long-term unemployment. This report led directly to the establishment of the local employment service which is now functioning in 14 areas and will be extended to a further four areas this year.
The forum has also made an important input in the development of both the Programme for Economic and Social Progress and Partnership 2000. It has also been to the fore in the development of social partnership. In this context, the Deputy will be aware that many of the groups represented on the forum were, prior to its establishment, outside the consultative process altogether.Now these groups are themselves parties to the new agreement. The forum has been given a role in monitoring the new agreement by providing opinions at six monthly intervals on the development of the provisions regarding social inclusion and equality.
Finally, the forum has produced two reports so far this year titled "Early School Leavers and Youth Unemployment" and "Rural Renewal — Combating Social Exclusion". These are currently being examined by interdepartmental working groups, chaired by the Departments of Education and Agriculture, Food and Forestry respectively, and will be reporting back to Government before the end of May.
