Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:82 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is integral to all of the Government's economic proposals that the unemployed should have a real say.
Written Answers. - Economic and Social Policy.
It is integral to Government policy that the unemployed should have a real say on major issues of economic and social policy and, in particular, should participate fully in the search for solutions to unemployment.
It is to this end that the Programme for a Partnership Government contained a commitment to the setting up of the National Economic and Social Forum. 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.
The forum will bring together representatives of the unemployed, women's organisations and the disadvantaged with elected representatives and the traditional social partners. An independent chairperson has recently been appointed to the forum which will meet for the first time in June.
The Government is committed to ensuring the success of the forum and all necessary support will be provided to ensure that each participant can make a full contribution to the debate.