The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only State body under the aegis of my Department. The National Economic and Social Development Office/National Economic and Social Council (NESDO\NESC) was listed for critical review as part of the programme of rationalisation of State agencies, announced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011. My Department carried out the review. The review concluded that the NESDO was no longer required and should be abolished and that the NESC should be maintained as the statutory body. Primary legislation will be required to put these recommendations into effect.
The 2012 allocation to the NESDO/NESC is €2.22 million; which represents a 59% reduction in funding since 2008 and a 19% reduction since 2010.