Vol. 519 No. 3
28 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach when he will publish the long-promised legislation to establish an Office for Economic and Social Development to co-ordinate the activities of the NESC and the NESF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12753/00]
29 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach when the activities of the NESC and the NESF will be brought together under one single body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13380/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
The drafting of the Bill to place the National Economic and Social Council and the National Economic and Social Forum on a statutory basis is at an advanced stage. These bodies will be located within an Office for National Economic and Social Development, as I have indicated on previous occasions.
Arising out of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, which has been recently negotiated, it has been agreed that the National Centre for Partnership and Performance will also be located within the proposed office for National Economic and Social Development. Discussions with IBEC and ICTU on the detailed arrangements to be put in place to give effect to the strengthened institutional structures required are taking place and proposals will be submitted shortly. Following on from this process the Office of the Parliamentary Draftsman's office will be asked to incorporate amendments relating to the NCPP into the draft legislation.
It is still expected that the Bill will be published this year.
