asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement concerning the current economic situation; and if it is his intention to have urgent consultations with employer and labour organisations on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Situation.
13.
The Minister for Finance will be reviewing the current economic situation when speaking on the Financial Motions on today's Order Paper. I do not propose, therefore, to make a statement on the subject at this point.
The Deputy may be assured that I will always be prepared to consult with employer and labour organisations on matters of national importance. I have already agreed to meet representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions tomorrow.
The Taoiseach has been reported in certain newspapers this morning as having said that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Colley, gave details of his economic proposals to a meeting of the Fianna Fáil Party last night. I should like the Taoiseach to say whether or not this is true. If not, he should make a statement to allay the fears of the Irish people. In my personal experience, Budget secrets have never been disclosed generally. After going to the Cabinet the Budget then comes to the Dáil.
Last night, the Minister for Finance indicated, as was already well known, that he proposed to introduce in the Dáil today certain Financial Resolutions. He did not in any way refer to the content of these Resolutions. He then explained the purposes of the prices and incomes legislation in terms similar to those he had already used at a press conference two weeks ago. He went no further than that.
Can the Taoiseach say whether or not the statements attributed to the Taoiseach in this morning's public Press are true? Here is an example:
Mr. Lynch said that because of the seriousness of the economic situation this was fully discussed at the meeting and the Minister for Finance, Mr. Colley, in outlining his proposals indicated he proposed to introduce Financial Resolutions today and outlined the proposals in the legislation which proposed to deal with prices and incomes.
We take it, therefore, that the Minister for Finance did not disclose details of the proposals to be announced in the Dáil today?
Not a single iota.
How can the Taoiseach reconcile with any degree of credibility the fact that measures on a united Cabinet basis were proposed last week with the fact that they are unanimously rescinded this week? What are the circumstances whereby such a major national change could take place?
It does not arise.
I do not want to ask Deputy Haughey that question.
The Deputy is making assumptions. The Government, in the course of its examination of any step, and especially a step of the nature we shall shortly be discussing, is entitled, up to the last minute before the proposed legislation is put in hand for printing, to change any aspect of it——
That kind of equivocation is rubbish. You have disgraced yourselves.
You people are supposed to help.