Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
181. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if there is a new mechanism for the way in which the Government will engage with organisations (details supplied); and if there will be particular areas of concern that will form part of this dialogue. [22295/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, on 5 October 2016, the Taoiseach chaired the inaugural meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), which brought together representatives of employers and trade unions with Government Ministers to discuss economic, employment and labour market issues. The aim of the LEEF is to provide a space to discuss areas of shared interest affecting the economy, employment and the labour market on a thematic basis. These areas include competitiveness, sustainable job creation, labour market standards and equality and gender issues in the workplace. Other issues discussed were the economic and fiscal outlooks and risks such as Brexit.
At the most recent LEEF meeting, on 22 February 2018, it was agreed that Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform would meet with employer and union representatives to develop proposals on options for deepening structured dialogue with employers and unions on issues of mutual interest through the LEEF. This process, as agreed, will build upon the current structures and will involve the establishment of a number of sub-groups under the aegis of the LEEF. This will facilitate engagement between relevant Ministers/Departments, Employers and Unions on a more regular basis, and where Ministers will be asked to ensure that they take account of the need to consult with the LEEF representatives when appropriate in their respective policy areas.
Particular areas of concern for the sub-groups will be based on a list of priority areas agreed by LEEF members, and it is proposed in the first instance that these would be (i) pensions, (ii) employment legislation/regulation, (iii) housing and (iv) childcare. The list will be updated by agreement at the LEEF over time to reflect changing priorities and avoid redundant or unnecessary permanent structures. These issues are all highly relevant to the labour market and can be considered priority issues for all parties.
