asked the Taoiseach if the speech of his Parliamentary Secretary at Rathfarnham on 29th March, 1976, represents Government policy on State enterprise in industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy on State Enterprise.
1.
I read the Parliamentary Secretary's speech as an exhortation towards community self-sufficiency and as urging the full appraisal of proposals before action is taken on them. I would recommend the speech for consideration by every Deputy and constituent.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the principles enunciated in the speech are in direct conflict with those enunciated on behalf of the Labour Party about a week previously by Senator Brendan Halligan; and can the Taoiseach reconcile the two diametrically opposed views and tell us which, if either, is the view of the Government?
I have no obligation to reconcile any views of Deputies or Senators. This is a debate on economic planning and obviously it is a matter on which different views are bound to be expressed. Indeed, as the Deputy is aware, his own Leader expressed somewhat similar views to those of the Parliamentary Secretary in a speech some days later.
What is the policy of the Government in relation to this whole question of State enterprise vis-à-vis private enterprise?
Even the Deputy's experience would enable him to realise that that cannot be answered in reply to a short simple question.
It cannot be answered by a Coalition.
There are two policies, in other words?