Vol. 225 No. 1
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in respect of each specified target in production growth rates envisaged in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion for major industries, including agriculture, what the present deficiency is on the basis of a projected equal growth rate for each year of the programme.
25.
asked the Minister for Finance what specific steps the Government intend to take now towards an achievement of the production growth rate of five per cent necessary if the targets outlined in the Second Programme for Economic Expansion are to be realised.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together. As far as major industrial groups are concerned, the position at the beginning of this year regarding target growth rates and actual performance is set out in Table 27 of the Appendix to the Progress Report for 1965 on the Second Programme for Economic Expansion and the position of agriculture is discussed at some length in the body of the Report. Discussions on the annual review of industry will commence shortly and a corresponding estimate of the position at end-1966 will be published in the NIEC Report on Review of Industrial Progress, 1966, early next year. For agriculture, an assessment for 1966 is not yet available. A comprehensive assessment of targets and performance in every field of the Programme will be made a part of the mid-term review of the Second Programme, which is now being undertaken with a view to considering what remedial action or changes in Government policy are necessary. The results of this review will also be published early next year. The Deputy will appreciate that it is neither desirable nor practicable that this review should be undertaken in a piecemeal fashion and that it is not, therefore possible to anticipate the results of the review.
Can the Minister say when the review of the targets commenced?
It has been in progress for some months past.
And it is expected that it will be concluded at the beginning of next year?
As I said, it is expected to have a report of the results early next year.
There will be a review of the targets; the Minister also said it might be necessary to make changes in Government policy—that will take quite a long time, will it not?
Not necessarily; this Government act quickly.
Joke over!
The Government may act quickly but the Minister does not.
Will the Taoiseach-to-be continue to exploit this old chestnut called the Second Programme for Economic Expansion? Surely the people will not be fooled by that pretence continuing?
The Deputy has been making a good attempt at that over the past few years.
