John Bruton
Question:13 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the studies, if any, currently being carried out by the National Economic and Social Council. [15474/97]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - National Economic and Social Council Studies.
The NESC is currently undertaking three studies. These are: an examination of the level of investment in Ireland and its implications for the sustainability of growth; a study of settlement patterns in Ireland; and the development of a set of indicators to benchmark progress in relation to Partnership 2000.
The NESC is also organising a seminar, to be held in late November, to deal with issues related to industrial policy which have arisen as a result of work undertaken by the Council over the past three years.
Both the investment study and settlement patterns study will be completed by the end of 1997, while the work in benchmarking Partnership 2000 will continue over the life of the partnership.
Will the Taoiseach indicate if arrangements are to be made to have the NESC reports discussed in any committee of the Oireachtas? Will he reconsider his decision to divest himself of responsibility for western development when the report on settlement patterns comes to hand?
On the question of reports before the House or committees of the House, I have always supported major reports which are very useful, especially those that were debated here prior to the various social partnership agreements. They effectively led to four such agreements in the past ten years. They should be debated and I was involved in presenting two of them to the House.
I have already answered the question regarding rural development. I will take account of any suggestion or proposals made in the same way as I will take account of any which emanate from NESC.