Skip to main content
Normal View

National Economic and Social Council

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (1210)

Gerald Nash

Question:

1210. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on the recent report No. 19 by the NESC; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5475/20]

View answer

Written answers

In a response to a request from the Government, the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has published Report No.19: ‘Addressing Employment Vulnerability as Part of a Just Transition in Ireland’. This very comprehensive report presents an examination of the vulnerability for workers, firms and sectors to the transition to a low-carbon and more digital, automated future.

In framing it recommendations, NESC sets out the proposed drivers to the Government’s response to the employment vulnerability created by transitions. These drivers are: continuous, pre-emptive workforce development; building resilient enterprises; and delivering high-impact targeted funding to support transition. The 12 strategic recommendations, in turn, address issues pertaining to policy, implementation and communication. These include increasing Ireland’s ambition for workforce development, extending appropriate enterprise supports to viable but vulnerable firms, and examining the inclusion of social clauses in relevant state transition funding.

The Council’s report underlines the importance of lifelong learning, training and education, effective support for viable but vulnerable companies, and ensuring that funding has the greatest possible local impact.

The transition to a low-carbon and more digital, automated future will present challenges to Ireland’s economy and labour market, particularly for vulnerable but viable firms and their employees. My Department will continue to work with the Departments for Education and Skills and Business, Enterprise and Innovation on the development of the labour force and providing opportunities for jobseekers, as the economy transitions to a low carbon and more digital automated future.

As you will be aware, I established a Labour Market Advisory Council earlier this year with a mandate that includes providing advice on general employment and labour market issues. I envisage that the Just Transition will be one area for which the Advisory Council can play a useful role going forward.

Top
Share