Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:65. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach his response to the recent NESC report, 'Building A Virtuous Demographic Cycle'. [5898/26]
View answerTuesday, 10 February 2026
Questions (65)
Written answers
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) advises me on strategic policy issues relating to sustainable economic, social, and environmental development in Ireland.
NESC Report 171, Building a Virtuous Demographic Cycle, was submitted to Government last December.
It examines the demographic changes occurring in Ireland, including the decline in the birth rate, the reduction in the number of children, the projected contraction of the workforce, and the ageing of the population.
It argues for a virtuous cycle which views demographic growth as an opportunity and invests accordingly, and that Ireland actively shapes demographic trends to the country’s advantage.
The Council identifies six key policy levers that Ireland can use to prepare for—and actively shape—demographic change:
• Fiscal Preparedness
• Strategic family support policies
• Pro-active migration and inclusive integration policies.
• Better work and increased participation
• Health care & healthy aging
• Balanced regional development
The Council’s report complements the Future Forty work by the Department of Finance and is very useful in highlighting the need and potential of shaping future demographic trends to Ireland’s advantage.
Questions Nos. 66 to 91, inclusive, resubmitted.