RSS 1.0National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
Browse by
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was established in 1973 and advises the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland. 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 NESC to analyse the challenges facing Irish society and to develop a shared understanding among its members of how to tackle these challenges.
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 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.
In January 2012, the sustainable development role performed by Comhár, the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), was integrated into the work of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC). NESC has since developed its work in a way that integrates sustainable development issues into its analysis of significant national challenges.
Sub Collections
Recent Submissions
-
International Case Studies of Ecosystem Accounting
(National Economic and Social Council, ireland, 2024-03-11)Secretariat paper (National Economic and Social Council), No.33, March 2024The world is increasingly recognising the global crisis in biodiversity and building a response. Biodiversity in Ireland is no less in crisis: The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030 set out the problem as: ‘Despite ... -
NESC@50: A Thriving Ireland – The Views of Young People on Policy Priorities and Participation
(National Economic and Social Council, ireland, 2024-03-01)Research series (National Economic and Social Council), No.29, March 2024The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was established in 1973 and the 50th anniversary was marked by a dedicated NESC@50 programme of research and events in 2023. From the onset, the meaningful participation of ... -
Natural Capital Accounting: A Guide for Action
(National Economic and Social Council, ireland, 2024-01-18)Council report (National Economic and Social Council), No.164, January 2024How can Ireland better account for nature? On request from Government and drawing on in-depth engagement with key stakeholders, this Council report provides advice on natural capital accounting and presents a guide for ... -
Is Ireland Thriving? Answers from International Assessments
(National Economic and Social Council, ireland, 2023-10-02)Secretariat paper (National Economic and Social Council), No.32, September 2023The theme of NESC’s 50th anniversary NESC@50 programme of research and events is A Thriving Ireland: Inclusive, Protective, and Forward Looking. This Secretariat Report examines the extent to which Ireland can be described ... -
Inequality and Well-Being Frameworks
(National Economic and Social Council, ireland, 2023-07-26)Council report (National Economic and Social Council), No.163, July 2023Inequality, although a contested concept, is generally understood to mean the unequal distribution of social, biological and other factors, which results in unequal opportunities and/or outcomes for those negatively affected. ...
