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The National Economic Dialogue is the principal institutional forum for public consultation and discussion on the Budget. This annual stakeholder engagement event is hosted jointly by the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Dialogue provides a deliberative forum for stakeholders to participate in an open and inclusive exchange on the competing economic and social priorities facing the government. It is not intended to produce specific budget proposals or recommendations, but should assist participants in preparing their own pre-budget submissions.
Theme
The National Economic Dialogue took place in a virtual format over two afternoons from 2-5pm on Monday 28 June and Tuesday 29 June. The discussions at the Dialogue were framed around the theme of Building a Sustainable Recovery post-COVID.
Participation
Representatives of community, voluntary and environmental groups as well as business, unions, research institutes and the academic community were invited to attend the National Economic Dialogue 2021. The Committee on Budgetary Oversight represented the Oireachtas through their attendance and participation in the event. In addition, the opening and plenary sessions of the Dialogue were live streamed and are now available to watch back on this site. Breakout sessions focused on specific topics linked to the overall theme.
Queries
Any queries in relation to the organisation of the National Economic Dialogue can be directed by email to ned@budget.gov.ie
Programme for Day 1
Time
Agenda item
Speaker(s)
14:00
Welcome and introduction
Professor Alan Barrett (Chair)
14:05
Opening address
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin
14:20
Scene setter - economic and fiscal context
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe
14:30
Scene setter - expenditure policy supports for social and economic development
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath
14:40
Direction to breakout rooms
Professor Alan Barrett (Chair)
14:45
Comfort break
14:55
Parallel Thematic Breakout Sessions (10)*
Ministers / Rapporteurs
16:55
Wrap up and closing of day one
Professor Alan Barrett (Chair)
17:00
End of day one
Breakout session details
Topic
Chair
Rapporteur
1 - Deliver a sustainable and resilient economic recovery (including through the work of the Commission on Welfare and Taxation)
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe
Dr Stephen Kinsella
2 - Budgeting for a Better Ireland
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath
Dr Larry O’Connell
3 - Supporting economic recovery and job creation in the context of COVID-19 and medium-term challenges and opportunities
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar
Dr Conor O’Toole
4 -Deliver a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable recovery
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan
Professor Eleanor Denny
5 - Deliver a more responsive and integrated health and social care service for a post-COVID world
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly
Dr Sara Burke
6 - Activation and employment support to support a dynamic recovery
Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys
Professor Philip O’Connell
7 - Skills provision in Ireland: Ensuring a well-balanced and responsive tertiary education system
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris
Dr Darragh Flannery
8 - Bridging the viability and affordability gaps in housing and investing in our cities
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien
Dr Ronan Lyons
9 -Agri-food post COVID and looking towards the future
Minister of State with special responsibility for Research and Development, Farm Safety and New Market Development, Martin Heydon
Professor Michael Wallace
10 - Rebuilding tourism in a post-COVID environment
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin
Dr Denise O’Leary
Programme for Day 2
Time
Agenda item
Speaker(s)
14:00
Introduction from Chair
Professor Alan Barrett (Chair)
14:05
Opening address
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar
14:20
Feedback from breakout sessions
Rapporteurs
15:10
Comfort break
15:20
Plenary session
All participants
16:35
Chair's summary
Professor Alan Barrett (Chair)
16:45
Closing remarks
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan
