Joan Burton
Question:81. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on his attendance at the National Economic Dialogue. [29955/19]
View answerTuesday, 24 September 2019
Questions (81)
Written answers
The fifth National Economic Dialogue took place on June 26th and 27th this year. The Dialogue plays an integral part in the preparations for Budget 2020 and provided an opportunity to consider how best to optimise available resources in the interests of all citizens.
The Dialogue provided an opportunity to foster discussion between stakeholders on how to sustain and strengthen the recovery while taking into account the many competing economic and social priorities within the limited available resources.
As with previous years, this year’s Dialogue was attended by representatives from a wide variety of stakeholders, including the community, voluntary and environmental groups, business unions and the academic community. In addition a number of members of the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight also contributed to the event.
My opening remarks on “Understanding the Context: Economic Perspectives” and my closing remarks at the Dialogue are available at www.budget.gov.ie. The Dialogue included thematic discussions at six breakout sessions, five of which were chaired by a government Minister and one was chaired by an Assistant Secretary General in the absence of the Minister and Secretary General. The Chair’s report including the reports of the six rapporteurs for the breakout sessions are available on the already mentioned website.
I believe the National Economic Dialogue is a very constructive exercise. It provides a valuable opportunity for the Government to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. The Dialogues of previous years have had a material effect on the choices made in the budget. I intend to reflect on this year’s discussion when formulating Budget 2020.