Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
108. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Taoiseach his plans for ensuring that the new national risk assessment which is to be published annually will include risks faced by the country in the areas of unemployment, emigration, poverty, income inequality, early school leaving, health inequalities, gender inequality and personal over-indebtedness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46401/13]
View answerOne component of the Government's programme of Dáil reform published in September 2013 was completion of a National Risk Assessment which the Government will publish for debate in the Dáil alongside the Stability Programme and National Reform Programme that are produced as part of EU-wide economic planning; and a National Progress Report, produced independently by the CSO.
It is intended that the National Risk Assessment will set out the risks (both financial and non-financial) which the country faces in the period ahead. It will facilitate an opportunity for members of Oireachtas to discuss and contribute to this Assessment.
It is premature to say what risks will be encompassed within the National Risk Assessment, but in carrying out this exercise the Government will draw on international experience and best practice. I understand that the most well-developed risk assessments involve reference to a broad range of risks, be they economic, environmental or social in nature.
