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National Reform Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 October 2018

Wednesday, 24 October 2018

Questions (35)

Martin Heydon

Question:

35. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the National Reform Programme 2018 submitted to the European Commission. [41819/18]

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Written answers

The National Reform Programme is an important element of the European Semester - the annual post-crisis cycle of enhanced economic and fiscal policy coordination at EU level.

Each Semester is set in train by the publication in November by the Commission of the Annual Growth Survey which identifies economic priorities for Member States for the period ahead. In April, Ireland, along with other Member States, submitted its National Reform Programme to the European Commission, in conjunction with a Stability Programme Update.

The National Reform Programme provides an overview of structural reforms and policy actions underway, including in response to Country Specific Recommendations given to Ireland as part of the preceding year's European Semester. It is coordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach with input from relevant Departments and agencies.

Stakeholders were consulted and submissions were received from 11 groups before the Programme was finalised. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs was also invited to share their views on the European Semester.

Ireland’s National Reform Programme for 2018 reported on a wide range of policies in place to respond to the main challenges and imbalances Ireland faces including those identified in the 2018 Country Report published by the European Commission and Ireland’s country specific recommendations for 2017.

The Programme also reported on progress towards Ireland’s Europe 2020 targets in the areas of: Employment; Research and Development; Climate Change and Energy; Education; and Poverty reduction .

Finally, the Programme provided an update on Brexit and reported on the use of structural funds and on stakeholder engagement.

Questions Nos. 36 and 37 resubmitted.
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