Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

"Iris Oifigiúil" of 17th December, 2010.

I, BRIAN COWEN, Taoiseach, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 17(1)(a) of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act 2006 (No. 21 of 2006), and considering it appropriate in the circumstances, hereby make the following order with respect to which, pursuant to section 4 of that Act, a draft has been laid before each House of the Oireachtas and a resolution approving of the draft has been passed by each such House:

1. This Order may be cited as the National Economic and Social Council (Alteration of Composition) Order 2010.

2. In this Order "Council" means National Economic and Social Council.

3. Of the ordinary members of the Council-

(a) not less than 3 and not more than 4 shall be persons nominated by organisations which the Taoiseach considers representative of business and employer interests participating in social partnership arrangements,

(b) not less than 3 and not more than 4 shall be persons nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions,

(c) not less than 3 and not more than 4 shall be persons nominated by organisations which the Taoiseach considers representative of farming and agricultural interests participating in social partnership arrangements,

(d) not less than 3 and not more than 4 shall be persons nominated by organisations which the Taoiseach considers representative of the community and voluntary sector participating in social partnership arrangements,

(e) not less than 3 and not more than 4 shall be persons nominated by organisations which the Taoiseach considers representative of the environmental sector participating in social partnership arrangements,

(f) not less than 4 and not more than 6 shall be public servants, of whom at least-

(i) one shall represent the Taoiseach, and

(ii) one shall represent the Minister for Finance,

and

(g) not less than 7 and not more than 8 shall be persons possessing knowledge, experience and skills which the Taoiseach considers relevant to the functions of the Council.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

14 December 2010.

BRIAN COWEN,

Taoiseach.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation)

This Order alters the composition of the National Economic and Social Council.