On 21 October 2020, over 200 stakeholders from business representative groups, social partners, environment groups and non-governmental bodies took part in a virtual event to exchange ideas to aid the development of the National Economic Plan in advance of its finalisation in November.
While the Plan is being prepared at a highly uncertain time, where the full impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit remain unclear, the intention is to set out a pathway to shape and build a renewed economy for the future. By doing so, the objective is to ensure that policy decisions and investments made now, even during the crisis, are consistent with longer-term goals for the economy and society.
Purpose of the event The purpose of the event was to get stakeholder views on big issues such as:
How do we achieve economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable growth? How do we harness opportunities for reform and renewal? How do we re-position our economy to exploit opportunities for sustainable growth? How do we prepare sectors, enterprises and workers for the twin digital and green transition? What is the best approach to reskilling and upskilling of the labour market in response to the significant challenges it faces? Opening session The opening session featured an address by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and a presentation from the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD. Both are available in the videos below.
Breakout sessions This was followed by three parallel breakout sessions on three different themes:
Building Resilience Across Enterprise and Sectors; An Inclusive and Balanced Recovery; and Future Proofing our Economy and Society. These breakout sessions were chaired by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Social Protection and for Community and Rural Development and the Islands, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, respectively.
A summary of the discussions in each of these breakout sessions can be found in the Summary Report of Breakout Sessions
Closing session Finally, the closing session featured speeches from Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, and the event was closed by the Tánaiste. These speeches can all be found below.
Addresses and speeches from the event Opening address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin VIDEO
Presentation by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar VIDEO
Speech by Minister Paschal Donohoe VIDEO
Speech by Minister Michael McGrath VIDEO
Closing address by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar VIDEO