asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the strong criticism from responsible trade union and employer spokesmen of the underlying strategy of the IDA preliminary regional development plans, with particular reference to the dispersion of growth areas and resources; and if, in the light of these criticisms, a further review of this strategy will be undertaken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Development Plans.
75.
I am aware that, following the recent publication of the preliminary statement on the IDA's regional industrial plans, there has been comment and criticism by both trade union and employer spokesmen including criticism by the Confederation of Irish Industry of the underlying strategy in the plans. As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware the IDA published a reply explaining the object of their strategy.
The Government have endorsed the approach of the IDA in this matter and, while the plans will be subject to review from time to time, a review of current strategy is not contemplated at this stage. I would suggest that further discussion of the matter should await the publication of the detailed plans which will give full information on the thinking behind the strategy. The detailed plans are expected to be published at the end of this month.
Would the Minister agree that it is difficult to reconcile what he he has told us with the fact that the Government document and the IDA document are not reconcilable in concrete terms, as was pointed out in an informed newspaper article? The Government's figures clearly are not reconcilable.
I do not accept the Deputy's argument.
would the Minister be willing to reply to the case made in The Irish Times article?
I have not as much time for writing Irish Times articles as the Deputy has.
Does the Minister read The Irish Times?
To avoid further argument I will say I do not.