Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:2 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach the reports, if any, for which the National Economic and Social Council is waiting and which have been requested by the Government. [5558/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - NESC Reports.
The National Economic and Social Council is awaiting two reports in phase two of its work on output and employment, "Employment and Enterprise in the Irish Economy". These reports are on: (i) Ireland's investment performance and (ii) competitive advantage on clusters in the Irish economy: a study of selected manufacturing and service activities. Consultants' reports on these subjects are expected in May 1996 and June 1996, respectively.
As the Taoiseach outlined in his response to a question by Deputy Ivor Callely last Wednesday, the Government has requested the NESC to look at three matters as follows: (i) it is proposed that the council should examine and take into account in its work on employment and enterprise in the Irish economy the recommendations of the OECD jobs study published in June 1994 and those of the EU White Papers, Growth, Competitiveness, Employment and Social Policy, taking account of the relevant components of the Government's new approach to industrial policy set out in response to the Moriarty Task Force on the implementation of the Culliton report and indicate to what extent, and how, they should be implemented in Ireland so as to have maximum effect on employment and growth.
(ii) It is proposed that as part of the programme of preparation for the millennium, the council should prepare, by end of 1996, a series of reports outlining the economic, social and demographic profile of Ireland in the year 2000 and beyond. This forms part of its work on Ireland in the 21st century. The council is asked to explore the possibility that the Northern Ireland Economic Council would join in this analysis on either an integrated or complementary basis.
(iii) When the Taoiseach visited the council in January he requested it to prepare a strategy document as an input to the negotiation of a new national programme to cover the years 1997, 1998 and 1999. In this context the Taoiseach asked the NESC to examine the role partnership at the firm level had to play in creating the basis for the constructive and flexible response necessary from the Irish economy to European Monetary Union and the effect of currency movements outside the European Monetary Union on particular sectors and firms within the economy.
It is obvious that the NESC will be busy. I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply but will he say what progress has been made in the talks on another programme or whether firm talks must await the outcome of these momentous and monumental studies?
The Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance indicated that the Government favours the continuation of these talks. I am not aware that a date has been set for firm talks but ongoing meetings have taken place between the social partners and the Government at various levels. It is the Government's hope that such talks will take place and that a further agreement can be negotiated provided the terms can be agreed by all concerned.
Did the Minister of State say the NESC has been asked to prepare a report on the implementation of the Moriarty report on the implementation of the Culliton report?
The report sought from the NESC will assist the Government in the implementation of these reports.
Will the Minister agree there is no longer a necessity for reports given that the Government has not implemented any of the recommendations made in previous reports? The OECD report gave examples of the difficulties caused in the economy by over expenditure and too high personal tax rates. Will the Minister agree that if those issues were tackled by the Government there would be no need for these elaborate reports and some serious work could be done?
Why did the Deputy's party not tackle these issues when it was in Government?
I do not accept that point. The NESC has also been asked to look at various European reports, not least the report on competitiveness——
I was referring to the other reports referred to by the Minister of State.
We need its analysis on the implications for Ireland of these important reports and also its advice on their implementation.
There is so much analysis that we do not know where we are going.
Paralysis by analysis.
Will the Minister of State, the Taoiseach or members of their party have difficulty in going down the consensus path of national agreements given their rabid denunciation of them in Dáil Éireann on a previous occasion?
This House is made up of different parties with different views.
I am asking about the Minister's party.
The process of Government is not about assimilation but about integration. The Government will express its views as a Government.