Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
244. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach the systems in place to agree performance metrics of Chief Executives of agencies within the aegis of his Department; the way in which these are measured; the person or body that carries out the assessment. [11967/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my department, was established under the terms of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act, 2006, and is governed by a Board which is appointed by and accountable to the Taoiseach.
NESDO is the corporate body for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
The NESDO Board is responsible for ensuring good governance. As set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Board’s responsibilities specifically include holding the Chief Officer of NESDO to account for the effective performance of their responsibilities.
The preparation and adoption of a Strategy Statement is a primary responsibility of the NESDO Board. The NESDO Strategy Statement sets out the objectives against which the performance of NESDO and its Chief Officer is measured.
NESC also prepares and agrees a work programme of agreed report outputs annually.
The Chair and Deputy Chair of NESC, as members of the NESDO Board, have frequent opportunities to consider progress towards completion of that programmed work.
Reports of NESC are reviewed and considered at quarterly meetings of NESC where any delays or shortfalls would be identified.
The NESDO Board meets at least twice per year and standing items considered by the Board include performance on outputs as well as other important corporate governance and management responsibilities of the Chief Officer of NESDO.
It is the responsibility of the NESDO Board to report annually to the Taoiseach on NESDO’s activities during the year. This is done via the NESDO Annual Report which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the NESDO website.
