RECORD OF MTSPs SUB-GROUP MEETING – 20 JANUARY 2005

 

Present:

 

	Seamus McAleavey (Chair)	NICVA
	Tom Gillen	NIC/ICTU
	Michael Maguire	Institute of Directors
	Bob Barbour	Centre for Competitiveness
	Raymond Mullan	Further Education
	Fiona Hepper	DETI Economics & Statistics Division
	Rosemary Crawford	DETI Strategy Unit
	Richard Johnston	DETI Economics Branch
	Stephen Moore	DETI Strategy Unit

 

Apologies:

 

	Nigel Smyth	CBI
	Jim McCusker	NIC/ICTU
	John Gilliland	UFU
	Malcolm Briant	DETI Strategic Policy Division

 

 

Minutes of Sub-Group meeting on 5 November 2004

 

1.              The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed, without amendment.

 

Matters Arising

 

2.              Rosemary Crawford advised that, following agreement at the December EDF meeting, the progress report on the EDF Action Plan had been posted to the Forum’s website.  She also reminded members that preparation of the Forum’s 2^nd Annual Statement would be put on hold until after the Away Day planned for 9 February.

 

Regional Forecasts (RF) – Updated Report

 

3.              Members considered the updated report provided by RF.  Richard Johnston spoke to this highlighting the changes made since the previous report.

 

4.              During discussion, members agreed the broad thrust of RF’s projections and noted that DETI economists would continue to liaise with the Secretariat to resolve issues around the remaining data gaps and to ensure consistency with DEL definitions in the areas relating to skills.  Members noted that, based on the forecasts, the outlook was not encouraging and agreed that more work was needed to identify what action would be required if the aspirations of the Economic Vision were to be achieved.

 

5.              Members supported the suggestion that RF be asked to provide annual updates against the framework and to provide regional comparisons, where possible.  It was also agreed that RF might be well placed to undertake some ‘scenario planning’ to help EDF better understand the actions which could contribute to the Vision and, thereby, inform the setting of targets.  It was agreed that this should be explored further after the Away Day.  During discussion, members emphasised the importance of ensuring consistency between the Vision and the revised framework.

 

ACTION:       DETI Economists to liaise with the Secretariat to resolve remaining data gaps and, after the Away Day, to consider the parameters of possible further work by RF

 

6.              Members spent some time considering the future role of EDF, particularly in relation to oversight of the Economic Vision.  It was noted that this was one of the key issues to be explored further at the Away Day in February.  Members expressed the view that an external facilitator for the event would be very helpful in focusing discussion, challenging participants and ensuring that the agreed outcomes for the day were achieved.  It was also noted that careful thought should be given to the specific questions to be explored on the day.

 

Date of Next Meeting

 

7.              It was agreed that a date for the next meeting would be identified after the Away Day.