NESC calls for continued infrastructure investment

The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) says investment in infrastructure must be maintained if Ireland is to withstand the current economic downturn.

In its latest report, the council says the economy has underlying strengths and the prospects for the medium and long term are good if the right actions are taken during the current downturn.

It says the Government must continue to invest in childcare and early child development, as well as training, skills and lifelong learning, regional development, social infrastructure and welfare reform.

The NESC is a coalition of groups representing employers, trade unions, farming organisations, the voluntary sector and government departments.

Meanwhile in an interview this morning, European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet says the bank will not change the course of monetary policy to assist eurozone members, such as Ireland, who are experiencing economic difficulties, but will continue to make decisions in the interest of the whole eurozone.