Talks Begin On National Economic Dialogue

Talks begin on national economic dialogue

The government is beginning what it calls a 'National Economic Dialogue' in advance of the budget. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and ministers have brought in opposition, business and groups from society to discuss priorities for tax cuts and spending increases on some services. They are insisting it is not a return to Social Partnership, which the Taoiseach said was a "closed shop" and excluded people. Tánaiste Joan Burton says it is about listening to what people want as priorities. "It's an opportunity for the different people coming from all sorts of groups and all different walks of Irish life to put their cards on the table, as to what their priorities are in relation to a recovering Ireland" she said. "I think we know that we can't have everything instantly, but we can actually have a lot if we build a sustainable recovery" she added.