asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement concerning his meeting with representatives of the different sectors of Irish industry on Friday, 2nd May, 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Talks on Irish Economy.
1.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I am arranging to have a copy of the statement which was issued after the meetings circulated with the Official Report.
I have now invited the organisations concerned to participate in a small working party, drawn from the Government and the National Economic and Social Council. This working party which would be chaired by the Minister for Finance would, subject to the views of the organisations concerned, have for its terms of reference:—
"to recommend remedial action to deal with the difficulties confronting the economy with due regard to the employment, financial, investment and other implications."
Following is the statement issued on behalf of the Government by the Government Information Services:
The Government today held a series of consultative meetings with organisations representing industry and agriculture, employers and trade unions.
The Taoiseach, Mr. Liam Cosgrave, TD, was accompanied by the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Brendan Corish, TD, the Minister for Finance, Mr. Richie Ryan, TD, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr. Mark Clinton, TD, the Minister for Labour, Mr. Michael O'Leary, TD, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Garret FitzGerald, TD, and the Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr. Justin Keating, TD.
The organisations represented at the meetings were the Confederation of Irish Industry, the Federated Union of Employers, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Farmers' Association, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association and certain other agricultural interests.
The meetings reviewed the current economic situation and various ways of protecting employment and living standards. The dangers of the current level of inflation were emphasised.
2 May, 1975.