Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1-53

Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements

Ceisteanna (42, 43, 44)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his latest engagement with the social partners. [24664/21]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

43. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his latest engagement with the social partners. [24667/21]

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

44. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his latest engagement with the social partners. [24670/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 to 44, inclusive, together.

The Government recognises the importance of regular and open engagement with all sectors of society including the social partners. There are many different fora in place for these conversations, including the National Economic Dialogue, the National Economic and Social Council, and various Sectoral Groups. There is also regular bilateral engagement at official and Ministerial level. Such engagement is particularly important as we steer our way out of the pandemic, rebuild our economy and support communities that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

Most recently, I chaired a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), with attendance from employers and trade unions, which took place in February. A further meeting of LEEF will take place shortly. In addition, in the coming weeks, I will be meeting with the Environmental Pillar, the Community and Voluntary Pillar, and the Farming and Agriculture Pillar.

Questions Nos. 45 to 52, inclusive, resubmitted.

Energy Usage

Ceisteanna (53)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

53. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the resource efficient action plan for 2021 of his Department. [26504/21]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

My Department’s 2021 Resource Efficiency Action Plan sets out a range of actions to improve the management of energy, water, material and waste resources within the Department and to increase sustainability awareness among staff.

It also includes levels of energy and water usage and waste produced by the Department so that improvements can be tracked and measured following implementation of planned actions.

The 2021 plan was developed in line with guidance published by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and was published last month on gov.ie.