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Terms of Reference 

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Our Organisation

Constitution and Terms of Reference

  • The main tasks of the National Economic and Social Council shall be to analyse and report on strategic issues relating to the efficient development of the economy and the achievement of social justice.
  • The Council may consider such matters either on its own initiative or at the request of the Government.
  • Any reports which the Council may produce shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published.
  • The membership of the Council shall comprise:

- A Chairperson appointed by the Government in consultation with the interests represented on the Council;

- Five persons nominated by agricultural and farming organisations;

- Five persons nominated by business and employers organisations;

- Five persons nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions;

- Five persons nominated by community and voluntary organisations; and

- Ten other persons nominated by the Government, including the Secretaries General of the Department of Finance, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Public Enterprise, the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs, and a representative of the Local Government system.

  • Any other Government Department shall have the right of audience at Council meetings if warranted by the Council's agenda, subject to the right of the Chairperson to regulate the numbers attending.
  • The term of office of members shall be for three years. Casual vacancies shall be filled by the Government or by the nominating body as appropriate. Members filling casual vacancies may hold office until the expiry of the other members' current term of office.
  • The numbers, remuneration and conditions of service of staff are subject to the approval of the Taoiseach.
  • The Council shall regulate its own procedure.

Funding

The Council is under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach. It is funded primarily through a Grant-in-Aid which is part of the overall Estimate for the Department. The Annual Accounts of the Council are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

 

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