Our Organisation

The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was established in 1973. Its primary role is to advise the Taoiseach on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Ireland.

The current Council term started in June 2022. Members of the Council are appointed by the Taoiseach for a three to five year term. These members are representatives of business and employers’ organisations, trade unions, agricultural and farming organisations, community and voluntary organisations, and environmental organisations. Heads of Government departments and independent experts are also represented.

As a result, the NESC Council plays an important and unique role in bringing together different perspectives from civil society, along with those of Government. This helps NESC analyse the most pressing challenges in Ireland today, by developing a shared understanding of how to tackle these challenges.

The NESC Council meets on a quarterly basis. These meetings are chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach. At each meeting the Council discusses reports drafted by the NESC Secretariat. NESC’s work programme is decided on an annual basis by the Council, with inputs from the Department of the Taoiseach.

The Council also operates at international level, working with the national economic and social councils and environmental councils of other EU member states. It is a member of AICESIS, the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions.

Click here to view NESC’s current Work Programme for 2024.