Vol. 428 No. 1
37 Mr. Lowry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
38 Mr. Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
49 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed national Economic and Social Forum.
52 Mr. Nealon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
56 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
57 Mr. McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
58 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
59 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
60 Mr. Cullen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Employment.
63 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
73 Mr. McGahon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
74 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
83 Mr. Cullen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the resources which will be allocated to the NESF; if Ministers will attend at the NESF if requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
88 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the Leaders of Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
89 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
92 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the Leaders of Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
93 Mr. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
98 Mrs. Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, he has to consult with and secure the agreement of the leaders of the Opposition parties in Dáil Éireann on the terms of reference and the composition of the proposed National Economic and Social Forum.
I proposed to take Questions Nos. 37, 38, 49, 52, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 73, 74, 83, 88, 89, 92, 93 and 98 together.
A key objective of the Programme for a Partnership Government is to "develop a strong sense of partnership, not only in terms of political structures but throughout the economy, our society, and our community — a partnership that will be dynamic and creative, geared towards totally confronting the major challenges that lie ahead of us". The Forum will contribute to the formation of a national consensus on major issues of economic and social policy, and to the development of new initiatives to tackle unemployment.
I want to make sure, that a wide ranging consultative process takes place, so that the Forum will be appropriately constituted and organised in such a manner as to ensure its success. To this end, the Minister of State at my Office, Deputy Eithne Fitzgerald, is currently engaged in a process of consultation with various interests. She has recently contacted the Leaders of the Opposition parties and the Whip of the Technical Group inviting them to consultations on the setting up of the Forum, and discussions have already taken place or are planned arising from that invitation.
All issues relating to the establishment of the National Economic and Social Forum, such as its terms of reference, membership, appointment of its independent Chairperson, budget and working methods, are at present under consideration.
