The programme for Government contains a commitment under the mission of reforming and reimagining public life to establish a unit within the Department of the Taoiseach to co-ordinate social dialogue. The programme for Government states that the unit will "create new models of sectoral engagement". That task of reforming and reimagining public life is a central and key challenge for the Government. It could be taken for granted or overlooked but we have seen in other European countries that without constant nurture, democratic institutions can wither on the vine. Under the OECD Better Life Index indicators, which, by the way, are a good possible starting template for well-being indicators, civic engagement is our lowest score across the indicators. Any sectoral engagement should be task-based and participants should be encouraged to leave their agenda at the door but bring their experience to the table. I ask the Taoiseach to update the House on progress on the social dialogue unit within his Department.

First, in terms of the commitment in the programme for Government, we have expanded the social dialogue. We are working on that at the moment. Just last week we had a very substantial meeting with the Labour Employer Economic Forum. We are expanding its role, creating subgroups on aviation, housing, the shared island agenda and other workstreams. Prior to that, we restarted social dialogue with various sectoral groups. We had a very good meeting with the environmental pillar and another with the farming pillar. We also had a good meeting with the community and social pillar. We are also examining, through the social dialogue unit within my Department, other forms of engagement with citizens. The citizens' assembly is an obvious one that is now in play and has been in play for quite some time. We are examining that.

I thank the Taoiseach. The time is up.

We are examining whether the role of the National Economic and Social Council can be expanded and developed even more. That consideration is ongoing.