The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) has been asked by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to prepare a strategy report as the basis for a new national agreement to succeed Partnership 2000. More than that, the Council has been invited to develop a vision of Ireland around which the Government and the social partners can develop a new framework for the next decade. These are very tall orders given the tensions that exist in the private and public sectors over pay and conditions, the demands for the creation of a more inclusive society and the uncertainties surrounding entry to EMU and the health of the global economy. They also ignore the role of government in moderating or exacerbating those various tensions and in failing to adopt progressive policies.
In spite of those reservations, Mr Ahern's initiative must be welcomed. Far too frequently, there is a public acceptance of glib criticism that economic and social planning is something that happens elsewhere and that our development has been almost accidental. This is not the case. Successive governments may be faulted for not adopting sufficiently rigorous measures on the basis of such research and recommendations. But much work has been done.
For the 25 years of its existence, the NESC has advised governments on economic development and the achievement of social justice. And during the past decade, its strategy reports on inter-related policy measures have provided the framework for the negotiation of national agreements between government and the social partners. This is the bedrock on which our rapid economic growth has largely been based.
In recent years, the work of the NESC has been complemented by valuable reports and recommendations from the National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) dealing with long-term unemployment and social and economic exclusion. This has led, in turn, to formal recognition being extended to representatives of community and voluntary agencies. The result is a social partnership that is unique in Europe. And it has now been agreed the NESC and the NESF will be given statutory recognition under the umbrella of an Office for National Economic and Social Development.
The Taoiseach has asked that the work of building social consensus should continue in order to create the framework for a new national agreement. The biggest and most pressing problem was identified by Mr Ahern as public-sector pay. In that regard, the Government seems determined to devise new structures linking pay and performance to replace traditional relativities by the time negotiations open next year.
The Taoiseach also spoke of strengthening pay and reward systems in the private sector to encourage innovation, flexibility and lifelong learning. Social policies would have to reflect the changing nature of the family, employment and settlement patterns. In addition, creating an inclusive society, through effective anti-poverty strategies, would require the most sustained effort and careful reflection. The tasks set for the representatives of the social partners on NESC are formidable. But, then, the rewards for our society as a whole could be immense.