About NESC
Contents
- What is the NESC?
- What does the NESC do?
- How does the NESC work?
- Terms of Reference
- History of NESC
- An Chomhairle Náisiúnta Eacnamaíoch agus Sóisialach
What is the NESC?
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was established in 1973 and advises the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) on strategic issues for Ireland’s economic and social development. The members of the Council are appointed by the Taoiseach, for a three year term. These members are representatives of business and employers’ organisations, trade unions, agricultural and farming organisations, community and voluntary organisations, and environmental organisations; as well as heads of Government departments and independent experts. The make-up of the NESC Council means that it plays an important and unique role in bringing different perspectives from civil society together with Government. This helps the NESC to analyse the challenges facing Irish society and to develop a shared understanding among its members of how to tackle these challenges.
What does the NESC do?
The NESC has a history of producing reports with strategic, long-term analyses of key economic and social development issues affecting Ireland. Its early work focused on the economy, taxation, population and emigration, and agricultural policy. It has also produced reports over the years on employment, housing and education, social policy, Ireland in the EU, public services, and well-being. From 1986 to 2006 the NESC regularly produced strategy reports which were the basis for negotiating the social partnership agreements, as well as contributing to development of overall Government policy.
Recently, the Council examined the challenges facing the country, and identified five key parts to the current crisis. The Council argued that the crisis – fiscal, banking, economic, social and reputational - will demand fundamental changes in the economic and social system, in public policy and regulation, and in international relations and governance.
The NESC work programme includes three projects that are currently underway:
- Unemployment and Active Labour Market Policies, 2011-2015
- The Role of Standards in the Provision of Quality Human Services
- Ireland’s Economic Recovery: Recognising Performance – Finding Shared Goals
How does the NESC work?
The NESC Council meets regularly, usually on a monthly basis. These meetings are chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. At each meeting the Council discusses reports drafted by the NESC Secretariat staff. The work programme of NESC is decided on a three-year basis, by the NESC Council, with inputs from the Department of the Taoiseach.
The Council also works at international level with the national economic and social councils of other EU member states. It is a member of AICESIS, the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions.
