Vol. 453 No. 4
54 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Finance if he has a working group to advise him on the problems arising for many Irish businesses as a result of the punt/sterling exchange rate; the representative bodies, if any, on such a group; the recommendations, if any, they have made to him; and the action, if any he will take to deal with the crisis. [9276/95]
The Minister for Finance has responsibility to decide exchange rate policy after consultation with the Central Bank. In carrying out that responsibility he obtains advice from a group made up of officials from his own Department, the Central Bank and the National Treasury Management Agency. He also listens to the views of many interested parties. In addition as he has already indicated to the House in reply to previous questions, he has recently met with IBEC to discuss the concerns of Irish businesses and his officials maintain close contact with IBEC. In these circumstances, it is not considered that the establishment of a further working group is necessary.
