I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Two formal meetings have taken place between the National Economic and Social Council and members of the Government in the last five years and two occurred in the previous five years.
I met the council on 11 June 1987, at their suggestion, for a general exchange of views on economic and social policy issues arising from their report "A Strategy for Development 1986-1990" published in November 1986.
The Minister for the Environment met the council on 17 July 1987 at the council's request to discuss their views as outlined in their report "The Financing of Local Authorities" published in May, 1985.
In 1985 the then Taoiseach and Tánaiste and, separately, the then Minister for Labour met the council to discuss taxation matters and manpower policy respectively.
The constitution of the NESC provides specifically for such meetings between members of the Government and the council and, in my view, such meetings should take place when this is considered desirable by either party.