asked the Taoiseach when he proposes to meet the social partners to review the economic and social situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic and Social Situation.
1.
I hope to make arrangements to hold such discussions in the near future.
Can the Tánaiste say whether the proposed involvement of this country in a new European Monetary System will be on the agenda for that meeting, since our involvement in such a system would entail a close working agreement with the trade unions and the Government?
That is a separate question. Question No. 2.
I have asked a relevant supplementary and I would like a reply from the Tánaiste.
The Chair has said it is a separate question.
We may not begin to ask about everything that may be on the agenda. The Deputy is enlarging the question.
I asked whether the question of the EMS will be on the agenda, and that is relevant.
It is a separate question. If we were to enlarge questions in this way we could continue indefinitely asking supplementaries. However, if the Tánaiste wishes to answer, he may.
The question of the agenda at such meetings is normally a matter that emerges between the parties to the meetings. I do not think it is described precisely or circumscribed before the meeting.
I presume that this question will be on the agenda.
Such matters emerge between the parties to the meeting.
Has any specific arrangement been made yet, having regard to the fact that many months have elapsed since there has been contact of a formal nature between the Government and the social partners?
All I can tell the Deputy is what I have said already, that is, that the Taoiseach hopes to make arrangements to hold such discussions in the near future.
Can the Tánaiste say whether, in the discussions, some of the economic developments that are causing concern will be raised? I refer, for instance, to the virtual trebling of the rate of increase in the price of industrial output——
Surely this is extending the question.
——with the consequent effect of the almost cessation of the growth of exports. Are these the kind of issues that will be considered?
While wishing to obey the Chair, I am not to be taken as accepting as correct what Deputy FitzGerald has said.