Two day event seeks views of range of sectors on the key issues facing our country
Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD will today (Wednesday) host the third National Economic Dialogue (NED) (see programme below), which is an integral part of the preparations for Budget 2018.
NED 2017 provides a valuable opportunity to consider how to make best use of the available resources in the interests of all citizens.
The NED will see a range of policies across Government being discussed in an open and inclusive format with representative from community, voluntary and environmental groups, business, unions, research institutes and the academic community. Members of Cabinet and the Select Committee on Budgetary Oversight will also participate.
The aim is to foster discussion on how best to sustain and strengthen economic growth in a way that secures the economic progress we have made ahead and takes account of the needs of all members of society. Consideration will be given to the many competing economic and social priorities that exist within the limited resources that are available. The Dialogue is not intended to produce specific budget proposals or recommendations.
In order to stimulate debate on selected key issues, a number of themes have been identified, reflecting the priorities within the Programme for a Partnership Government. These themes include breakout sessions on: Budgeting; Productivity, Competitiveness and Investment; Labour Market Participation; Spatial Planning; Delivering Future Skills Needs; Climate Change Policy; and Agri-Food.
The Dialogue will have an overarching theme of “Sustainable and inclusive growth in the context of national and global challenges.”
Speaking on the first day of the NED, Minister Donohoe said: ‘The economy is doing well and, on the back of many difficult years, we are seeing real signs of progress, thanks to all of the hard work. It’s is vital that as we evaluate the best ways of meeting all the competing demands within society that an open an inclusive discussion takes places so that all voices are heard’.
“This is the third year of the Dialogue, which has proved to be a valuable platform through which discussions can take place on a range of issues that impact our future growth and seek to address our citizens’ needs. As we look to manage expectations in terms of what can be delivered in October’s Budget, we need to reflect not just on increased funding in various departments but on the totality of Government spending to ensure that all of the resources that are available are being used to maximum effect. I am looking forward to an open and constructive process over the next two days and to considered and thought-provoking contributions from all sides.”
Ends
Note for Editors
The Plenary sessions [morning] only will be streamed live on RTE News Now and on both Department’s websites
Breakout sessions [Wednesday afternoon] are private with no media access