asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference and progress made to date in the formation of the National Industrial Economic Council; and whether any similar body is contemplated for the agricultural sector of the economy.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Industrial Economic Council.
25.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Finance why there is no agricultural representation on the National Industrial Economic Council.
I propose with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
The National Industrial Economic Council was formally established on 9th October, 1963, when its inaugural meeting was held. I am arranging to have the text of the terms of reference of the Council circulated with the official copy of the Dáil Report.
The Council has undertaken as its first task to examine the Second Programme for Economic Expansion— other than the agricultural aspects— and to advise on how the objectives of the programme can best be realised or, if possible, surpassed. This task is under way.
Regarding the non-representation of agriculture, it is clear from its title that the Council will confine itself to the non-agricultural sectors of the economy.
The distinction made between agriculture and the rest of the economy in the establishment of the Council is explained by the fact that agricultural policy is determined to a large extent by external conditions which we cannot alter by decisions taken here. There would also be some practical difficulties in setting up a Council which would be workable in size but fully representative in character to deal with agriculture, industry and the rest of the economy. The Government are, however, prepared to reconsider the position should experience of the working of the Council or some other reason suggest that to do so would be desirable.
Does the Minister not think it a bit of a joke that people like members of the Motor Traders Association should be put on a National Industrial Development Council and representatives of a major industry such as agriculture kept out?
This body are not dealing with agriculture.
Surely the Minister must realise that some of the people whose photographs have appeared in the newspapers as being members of this Council have in the past been responsible for holding back industrial progress?
The Minister said one of the objections was that agriculture was dependent on external factors over which we had no control. Surely the case made by the Taoiseach in recent months was the whole development of our industrial arm—
All this is argument.
Did I hear the Minister correctly to say that the Government would consider the establishment, if necessary, of a National Production Council for Agriculture?
If it appears desirable.
In the light of the experience of the working of this Council?
Yes.
Following is the text:
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL:
Terms of Reference and Constitution.
1. The main task of the National Industrial Economic Council is to prepare general reports expressing the views of the Council on the principles which ought to be applied for the development of the national economy and the realisation and maintenance of full employment at adequate wages with reasonable price stability and reasonable long-term equilibrium in the balance of external payments. The Council shall have regard to the level and trend of incomes, including wages, salaries, profits, rents and other incomes, with a view to the inclusion in its reports of policy recommendations on these matters.
2. General reports will be prepared from time to time as the Council consider appropriate. The Government may, at any time, request the Council to prepare a general report or a report on a specific subject. The National Employer/Labour Conference may, at any time, request the Council to prepare a report on a specific subject.
3. The Reports of the Council will be submitted to the Government and, together with any comments which the Government may make thereon, will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and published. Where appropriate, copies of the Reports, and of any comments by the Government, will be referred to the National Employer/Labour Conference for consideration.
4. The members of the Council will be:—
a Chairman appointed by the Government following consultation with the interests represented on the Council,
eight other persons appointed by the Government,
ten persons nominated by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, and
ten persons nominated by the Federated Union of Employers, other employer organisations, Statesponsored bodies and the Federation of Irish Industries, Ltd.
5. The Secretariat of the Council will be provided by the Government. At the request of the Council, arrangements will be made, subject to the provisions of the Statistics Acts and other relevant legislation, to provide the Council with statistical and other information in the possession of Government Departments and Offices.
6. The Council will regulate its own procedure.