asked the Taoiseach if he will consider having a Select Committee of the Dáil set up with powers to review from time to time the operations of semi-State bodies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Operations of Semi-State Bodies.
1.
I would refer the Deputy to my replies to questions bearing on this subject addressed to me in this House on 18th February, 1965. 9th December, 1964, 24th November, 1964, 15th April, 1964, 26th July, 1962, and 29th March, 1960.
The attitude of the Taoiseach and the Government has not changed in all that period? No?
As the Deputy knows, this is an idea which has been considered over very many years in this and other Parliaments and I do not think anybody has yet arrived at a reasonable solution.
Will the Taoiseach say to whom these semi-State bodies are responsible?
To the Government.
Surely, therefore, it is not unreasonable that the Dáil or a Select Committee, as suggested here, would have some contact with them and discuss policy generally and general activities? It has been pointed out here by most Deputies that nobody wants to interfere with the day-to-day administration of these semi-State bodies.
I think the Deputy should give that a great deal of thought because the implications of it are quite extensive.
This matter has been under consideration by many Governments for a long time. Pending a final solution, is there not much to be said for authorising the Committee of Public Accounts to set up a sub-committee to meet the boards of directors of these companies once a year, not necessarily in public, but to raise with them the kind of questions that are habitually asked here and which the Ceann Comhairle, in accordance with our Standing Orders, declines to allow on the ground that they relate to day-to-day activities of the company but being the kind of questions which are asked at the annual meetings of public companies?
I think the utilisation of the Committee of Public Accounts would be about the worst possible solution.
I did not suggest the Committee on Public Accounts. I suggested a sub-committee drawn from that body with the function simply of meeting the directors annually without the attendant publicity of taking evidence which is associated with the proceedings of the Committee of Public Accounts.
Will the Taoiseach give some consideration to it, say, during the recess because there is a general feeling that these semi-State bodies are far too remote from the Dáil, from public representatives?
Hear, hear.
They are far too remote from everybody.
I think the Taoiseach should consider it again. It would do no harm to consider it again.