28 July 2008 – Publication of the ‘Fifth Periodic Report on the Work of the NESF’

The Government today noted the publication of the National Economic and Social Forum’s Fifth Periodic Report on the work of the Forum.  This report is the latest in a series of Periodic Reports prepared for the purpose of reviewing implementation and follow-through by Government Departments.  The present Report deals with work undertaken by the NESF over the period 2003 to 2006 and reviews the following reports

Labour Market Issues for Older Workers

Equality Policies for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People

Policy Implications of Social Capital

Early Childhood Care and Education

Care for Older People

Creating a More Inclusive Labour Market

The NESF notes and welcomes progress made in each of these areas such as new migration and green cards system and improvements made to carers allowance, carers benefit and respite care.  The NESF highlights the establishment of the Office of the Minister for Children and the Employment Rights Authority as significant positive developments in that period.  In reviewing the implementation of recommendations arising from the above reports, the NESF has highlighted some additional areas for further action.

Thanking the NESF for its work, the Taoiseach said: ‘The NESF brings together a very wide range of experiences and perspectives with a view to understanding more fully both process and policy implementation issues.  The Forum fulfils an important advisory role through its programme of work and by providing an opportunity for individuals and groups to engage on policy developments and implementation issues.’  He pointed out that ‘these assessments will be of considerable value to Government in determining priorities for the future across the broad social policy agenda.’

ENDS.