asked the Minister for Finance whether a fourth programme of economic expansion is in the course of preparation; and, if so, when he expects it will be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Expansion Programme.
13.
As the Deputy may recall, I announced in my budget speech of 19th April last that the Government, in order to assist forward economic planning in the context of EEC membership, had recently approved the preparation of a Fourth Programme for Economic and Social Development. It is hoped to publish the programme about the end of this year.
Can the Minister state if the Third Programme has been scrapped?
No.
Are we going to debate the Third Programme?
That is a separate question.
Can the Minister state if information will be given stating whether the targets set in the Third Programme have been attained?
We are going to get a litany of programmes.
In answer to Deputy O'Connell, I do not think so.
Can the Minister state what period the Fourth Programme is likely to cover? Will the period be synchronised with the transitional period to full membership of the EEC, and will the programme be broken down in regional terms?
I think the Deputy had better await the announcement of the details on it.
Is the Minister suggesting that the details will be announced in the near future?
No. I have indicated already that it is hoped that the programme will be published by the end of this year. There will be consultations before then with the various interests concerned.
When will this House get the opportunity of expressing its view on points such as the length of the programme and the regional breakdown?
When the programme is published.
Obviously, that would be too late.
Deputy FitzGerald has a great deal to learn in this matter. I have tried to tell him this before—if he wants to be in a position to make decisions, he must win an election.
I am part of a Parliamentary opposition——
I am calling Question No. 14.
——seeking to play a part in the legislation of this country and I would ask the Minister if he will arrange to have a debate on this subject.