asked the Taoiseach if, and when, he intends to introduce legislation to bring the State and semi-State bodies under closer parliamentary control.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parliamentary Control of State Bodies.
This matter has come up for consideration more than once under successive administrations, but no satisfactory solution has been found.
In the enactments establishing the various State-sponsored bodies, the Oireachtas has given them the freedom of action deemed necessary for successful operation in industrial or commercial activities. It is generally agreed that, for want of such freedom, Departments of State are not fully satisfactory agencies for the carrying out of activities of that kind. The question is whether it is possible to find a way of giving the necessary freedom of action while, at the same time, providing a reasonable degree of supervision on behalf of the community as a whole.
The fact that no satisfactory solution has hitherto been found does not, of course, mean that the problem is not worthy of further serious consideration. So far, the present Government have not had an opportunity of examining it, but it is intended to bring it before them, for consideration, as soon as practicable.
Will the Tánaiste bear in mind the suggestion that, if there is a serious allegation or a well-founded allegation of serious malpractice, a joint committee of Seanad and Dáil might be a proper investigating body to inquire into any such allegations?