Taoiseach welcomes publication by the National Economic and Social Council
The Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, T.D., welcomed the publication today by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) of the Council Statement on its Forthcoming Strategy Report, 2002.
The Taoiseach commented as I indicated at Thursdays PPF plenary meeting, social partnership has a pivotal role to play in Irelands future. The NESC Statement represents an important step forward on the path towards an agreed foundation for negotiations on a new social partnership agreement - a successor to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The Strategy Report, when completed, will provide an agreed strategic context between Government and the social partners on the key issues and priorities to be addressed.
The five previous NESC Strategy Reports provided the vital frameworks for the series of social partnership agreements since 1987. These agreements have played a central role in bringing about very significant economic and social progress, especially in terms of increased living standards, higher employment and lower unemployment. Through consolidation of that progress, the opportunity now exists to move Irish society onto a more equitable platform, to bring about improvements in everyday quality of life and to strengthen the basis for sustainable prosperity and development.
The Taoiseach went on to draw attention to a key strength of all social partnership agreements to date. The shared understanding on the main national priorities in these agreements, both economic and social, has always been underpinned by a shared analysis and recognition of the interdependent nature between public policies. Continued appreciation of that interdependence is as vital today in meeting challenges and maximising opportunities as it was in 1987. In that regard, the NESC will now concentrate on three key interdependent dimensions - between the public and private sectors; between the indigenous and international economy; and between economic, social and political goals.
The Taoiseach concluded my Government colleagues and I look forward to receiving the Councils detailed Strategy Report in October and to working with the social partners on devising a new agreed national consensus that will aim to continue the impressive progress of recent years and to do so in a manner that will be both sustainable and fair.
ENDS