asked the President whether, in view of the condition of continued unemployment, he is now prepared to act on the suggestion that a Commission or Committee representing all parties should be set up to examine the whole economic position of the country with a view to finding a solution of the problem.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - COMMISSION ON ECONOMIC POSITION.
The present question appears to differ from the proposal contained in the Deputy's question of 17th July last inasmuch as it suggests the appointment of a Committee representing all parties to examine into the whole economic position of the country with a view to improving the situation as regards employment. Quite clearly the value of any such Committee would be largely dependent upon the spirit in which the issues were approached. I would not be prepared, nor would it serve any useful purpose, to appoint a Committee which would deal with these important matters in a spirit of political or party controversy. The final decision as to the extent to and direction in which Governmental action can usefully be taken towards the solution of economic problems must, of course, always remain in the hands of those who for the time being bear the responsibility of government, but for my part I should welcome any assistance or advice which might result from a careful and dispassionate examination of these problems by a Committee of responsible representatives who were prepared to undertake such examination in a non-partisan atmosphere.
If I receive an assurance from the Deputy, on behalf of those for whom he speaks, that he and they are prepared to co-operate in the work of such a Committee in the spirit I have indicated I would be prepared to nominate a Committee with suitable terms of reference.
Well, I think I can give the President an assurance at once on that point if that is all his trouble. We are most anxious to see this problem solved, and we are most anxious that the energies of all parties should be exercised towards solving it.
Very good.