Government beefs up economic policy committee

THE Government is to beef up the Cabinet committee deciding economic policy by appointing a high-powered civil servant to run it.

The Economic Management Council (EMC) is to get its own dedicated “second secretary general” as another step in the overhaul of decision making structures taking place behind the scenes.

The EMC was established by the Government upon taking office and consists of Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin. All significant economic decisions — such as last week’s banking strategy — are being taken by the EMC, which has the status of a Cabinet committee, before being brought to the full Cabinet for formal approval.