Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Partnership Structures.

John Bruton

Question:

25 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach whether the review, in conjunction with the social partners, of the roles and functions of NESC and NESF has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the institutional and administrative arrangements that are likely to emerge. [17577/98]

The Taoiseach

On the 17 December 1997 I informed the House that in accordance with a Government decision, taken in October 1996, the future of social partnership structures had been reviewed in consultation with the social partners in the context of Partnership 2000. The review had taken account of the views of both the National Economic and Social Forum and the National Economic and Social Council which are representative of all strands of social partnership.

Based on the outcome of that review and in response to the views put forward by both the NESC and the NESF, in particular the latter's report No. 16, A Framework for Partnership, I informed the House on 4 February that the Government had announced on the 9 December its decision to reconstitute both organisations on a statutory basis. In the interim, both the NESC and the NESF were reconstituted on a non-statutory basis and I understand that their inaugural meetings are due to take place in the near future. As regards the legislation, the Government yesterday approved the drafting of a Bill to place both on a statutory footing.

The terms of reference of both bodies have been revised to ensure that their activities are fully complementary. The NESC will continue to provide strategic analysis through its reports and will develop a framework within which discussions on future national programmes will take place. The NESF will focus on the detailed monitoring of initiatives taken in the context of social partnership especially with regard to social exclusion and long-term unemployment. The membership of both bodies has now been changed to reflect more fully the various strands of the social partnership process. The composition of the new bodies is as follows the NESC comprises five nominees from each of the five social partners pillars; five representatives from Departments — one of whom will be a county manager representing local government interests; and five independent members the NESF will comprise 15 members of the Houses of the Oireachtas; five nominees from each of the business, trade union and farmer pillars; 15 representatives of non-government organisations; five representatives of Departments; five local government representatives and five independent members.

The main changes in composition relate to the inclusion of local government representation and community and voluntary representation on the NESC and the inclusion of Departments and local government representation on the NESF. The terms of office of members of both the NESC and NESF will be for a period of three years, during which time members may nominate alternates.

As regards administrative arrangements, the Office of Public Works is at present seeking a premises where both the NESC and NESF can be accommodated. This is a prerequisite for the facilitation of better co-operation and sharing of support services between both bodies which is also being investigated by my Department.