asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why there was no annual review of industrial progress in 1974; and if such a review will be carried out in 1975.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Progress Review.
21.
From their inception in 1964, the timing of the reviews had been linked with the budget. It was not possible to hold a review in respect of 1974 because of (i) the bringing forward to January of the date of the budget and the impracticability of carrying out an exercise within the time limits set by the early budget; (ii) the pre-occupation of staff resources in the Department on work arising from our membership of the EEC and, in particular, the additional burdens of the EEC Presidency.
These reasons were explained at the time to the representative bodies concerned.
Discussions have been proceeding with these bodies as to the possibility of resuming the reviews and the basis on which this might be done.
Could the Minister say if we might expect a review next year?
One of the dates mentioned in the discussion is late spring of next year. I do not want to give that as an irrecoverable decision but it is certainly being considered for the earlier half of the coming year.