Vol. 395 No. 4
1 Mr. Spring asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied with the progress to date of the Programme for Government 1989-1993 In the National Interest; the aspects of that programme which will be given priority by his Government in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Yes. I am satisfied with the progress to date of the implementation of the Programme for Government 1989-1993 In the National Interest and, indeed, of the Government's programme as a whole, which of course incorporates the Programme for National Recovery and the National Development Plan. The Government's aim will be to continue in 1990 the steady progress already made in implementing the programme. Many of the specific commitments were reflected in last week's budget.
I am sure the Taoiseach is aware that the average mortgage for home owners increased by £50 last year. How does the Taoiseach reconcile that fact with one of the statements in the early part of the document in question: namely, that they would pursue macro-economic policies to keep interest rates and inflation to a minimum?
That we are doing. Particularly, the Deputy will note with great relief the very specific action taken by the Government in this budget to keep down the rate of inflation. For the first time in a long time the Government have acted directly and specifically in a budget to reduce the rate of inflation.
Obviously we will have to wait, but time will judge that. In relation to last year's performance, the increase in mortgage rates speak for themselves, which is a very basic test for the average home owner, and in that the Government have obviously failed. May I ask the Taoiseach if, as promised in the joint programme, any changes in the ownership structure of the commercial State enterprises would be carried out only following consultation with the social partners? We hear a lot about potential changes in Irish Steel, the Sugar Company and Irish Life. Has any consultation taken place with the social partners to date?
The Deputy is widening the scope of his question quite considerably.
It is axiomatic in Government policy that any changes in the structure of any of the semi-State enterprises would be only after full consultation.
Question No. 2, please.
May I take it from the Taoiseach's last reply that it is also, perhaps, not axiomatic but conclusive to a reasonable conclusion? That statement would mean that there has been no consultation to date. In relation to the joint programme for Government there was a commitment to look at the housing programme with particular reference to the local authority housing programme. Is the Taoiseach or his Government satisfied that the present programme as contained in the Book of Estimates — and which remains unchanged after the budget — with a commitment to a sum in the order of £6 million satisfies the 30,000 people now on housing lists?
That is surely worthy of a separate question.
I think so.
With respect, a Cheann Comhairle, it is a specific commitment in the programme about which I am asking the Taoiseach questions, as in Question No. 1 on today's Order Paper.
It is a very special question.
It is a special question and it should be addressed to the Minister for the Environment.
