asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will introduce amending legislation which will give him greater control over the administration and policy of State and semi-State boards and companies, which are under the aegis of his Department, or alternatively, if he will take steps to appoint all-Party Committees of the Houses of the Oireachtas with power to investigate and report on the administration and policy of such boards and companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State and Semi-State Boards and Companies.
I would refer the Deputy to replies given by the Taoiseach on the 17th November, 1954, and the 23rd February, 1956, to previous questions on the subject of control of State-sponsored bodies in which he indicated that this matter was being considered by the Government. Pending a general Government decision on the matter, I do not intend to take separate action in regard to the bodies for which I am responsible.
Will the Minister not recommend the Government to take action in the matter, in view of the fact that Deputies are powerless even to ask questions about State bodies which are not giving satisfaction?
Surely it is desirable to have uniform Government policy in a matter of this kind? It would be undesirable that one policy should operate in the Department of Industry and Commerce and another in other Departments.
I wonder if the Minister would use his influence within the Government to ensure that the whole position and relationship of State-sponsored corporations be examined in the near future and that concrete proposals be put forward to the House in regard to them?
Surely that is wide of the question?
The Minister is surely aware of the widespread dissatisfaction which exists among the public. He has had notice of it from the Press and from Deputies that State and semi-State bodies are not giving the satisfaction they should.
The Deputy is making a statement. Question No. 4.