asked the Minister for Finance if he is now in a position to say when the mid-terms review of the Second Programme of Economic Expansion will be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Review of Economic Expansion Programme.
21.
The re-activation of our application for membership of the European Economic Community and the question of the precise external environment in which Ireland will find herself in the years immediately ahead are factors which must be taken into account in considering any changes in present development policies. The National Industrial Economic Council has been consulted on the best course to follow in these circumstances in relation to the review of the Second Programme and the preparation of a Third Programme and a full statement will be made during the forthcoming debate on the EEC position.
Do I take it from that that the mid-term review which the Minister announced in his Budget Speech was proceeding is not to be published?
I am afraid, Sir, that is a different question, which relates to the publication of a mid-term review. The reply to the Deputy's question is as I have stated. The Minister will deal with it in full in the EEC debate.
While we appreciate the Parliamentary Secretary's difficulty, does it appear that there is now to be no mid-term review?
The Minister's reply as I read it intimates that the change in conditions as a result of our reactivation of our application for EEC membership will have an important bearing on the question.
I suppose one excuse is as good as another for not publishing the review but I imagine from the remarks here of the Minister for Transport and Power that he would like an agonising re-appraisal of the Second Programme.
I have no doubt the Minister will deal with it in full in the EEC debate.