I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 40 together.
I welcome the conclusions and recommendations in the NESC strategy report which was prepared by the council in response to a request from the Taoiseach for a strategy report in relation to a new national programme of social partnership. The report outlines a vision for the development of Irish society over the coming decade together with a comprehensive and imaginative strategy to achieve a wide range of objectives. The report reflects the aspirations of all sectors of society by addressing the challenges faced by Ireland in the new global world economy. The recommendations, including those related to child benefit will be carefully considered by the Government in the context of budgetary preparations, in the discussions on a successor agreement to Partnership 2000 and as an input to other important policy decisions in the years ahead.