Bertie Ahern
Ceist:6 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the studies, if any, which are currently being undertaken by NESC; and when these studies will be published. [6834/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - NESC Studies.
As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy of 22 March, the council is currently pursuing two major work programmes. The first is to undertake Phase II of its work on Output and Employment, entitled "Enterprise in the Irish Economy". In the context of this work, I have asked that the Council take into account the following four key inputs: the recommendations of "The OECD Jobs Study" published in June 1994; the recommendations contained in the EU White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment; the EU White Paper on Social Policy; and the Government's new approach to industrial policy set out in the response to the Moriarty Task Force.
I have also asked that the Council indicate to what extent, and how, the recommendations in the OECD study and the EU White Paper should be implemented in Ireland so as to have maximum effect on employment and growth.
The Council proposes to undertake four studies in Phase II of its work programme on Output and Employment as follows: (i) Ireland's investment performance; (ii) statistical analysis of firm and sectoral data; (iii) organisational patterns and capabilities of Irish firms and (iv) public policy in dynamic, high employment regions.
The studies are being carried out from October 1994, to December 1995 and the results will be published during 1995 and 1996.
As I have also previously indicated, in relation to the NESC's second major work programme on economic and social strategy for the 21st century, I have asked that as a part of this work and as a part of the Government's general programme of preparation for the millenium, that the Council prepare by end-1996 a series of reports outlining the economic, social and demographic profile of Ireland in the year 2000 and beyond.
I would remind the Deputy that I have asked that the Council explore the possibility that the Northern Ireland Economic Council would join in this analysis on either an integrated or complementary basis and that greater co-operation be sought in relation to other studies of mutual benefit to both Councils, as they arise.
An analysis of economic and social policy issues arising in the EU and likely to be relevant to the Irish Presidency and the Intergovernmental Conference to revise the Treaty on European Union, both of which will occur in 1996, is currently being undertaken by the council and is set to be completed by end-1995.
I thank the Taoiseach for his detailed reply. We on this side of the House, as always, support the ongoing studies of NESC. Will the Taoiseach ask NESC to undertake a detailed study of the implications of the European Monetary Union? Some independent groups, including the IEA, are working on European Monetary Union and most EU member states are undertaking detailed work on European Monetary Union, although the Governor of the Central Bank, answering questions to a Dáil committee, said that European Monetary Union would not be achieved before 1999. No work is being undertaken within Government Departments at present on European Monetary Union but it would be beneficial if we were to undertake a detailed study, and NESC has the appropriate experience and contacts to do that work.
NESC is doing a study on the issues that are likely to arise at the Intergovernmental Conference, and European Monetary Union comes into that category. I will examine the suggestion. However, the IEA report will be particularly useful and, in advance of getting it, commissioning any further reports would be premature.
The IEA report, in which I participated, does not take in all sectors of the economy, all social partners or all individuals. I am aware of the far wider reports of the French, the Dutch and the Belgians. The only way is to have one comprehensive study for this country, and it should be undertaken now rather than waiting until we are up against it in two or three years' time.
I will draw the Deputy's comments to the attention of the NESC and they may take them into account in the preparation of the general report to which I referred.