John Bruton
Question:4 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the review procedures, if any, in place to measure progress in implementing the commitments in An Action Programme for the Millennium. [12667/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - An Action Programme for the Millennium.
The partnership Government takes seriously its commitments with regard to An Action Programme for the Millennium and intends to complete its plan to the best of its ability. With regard to regular reviews of progress to date there are three elements of monitoring. Each Minister carefully monitors progress to date within his or her Department and gives an account to Cabinet of objectives achieved or work in hand towards achieving those objectives. The office of the Minister of State and Chief Whip at my Department, Deputy Seamus Brennan, has a key role in monitoring what has been achieved and what remains to be done. He gives a regular account to the Cabinet and to me of the commitments which have yet to be achieved and the place in line with each commitment. I have requested him to send me a comprehensive memorandum on progress to date by the end of June. My Department carefully monitors progress made and keeps in regular contact with members of the Cabinet in that regard.
Is it the case that An Action Programme for the Millennium refers to the fulfilment of the commitments in the party manifesto and that the two documents must be read together? When does the Government intend to fulfil its promise to ban Sunday trading, extend higher education grants to those attending private third level colleges and introduce pollution control and installation aid grants for farmers?
They are excellent questions which should be tabled to the relevant Ministers.
Is the Taoiseach satisfied with the monitoring of the fulfilment of the commitments given in the programme?
I am so satisfied. If I answer the Deputy's questions, he will not table precise questions, rather he will table broad ranging questions and expect to be able to ask any question he likes. I will answer questions that are in order.
Will the Taoiseach read the question which refers to the review procedures in place to measure progress in implementing the commitments in An Action Programme for the Millennium? Is he saying the programme does not give a commitment to ban Sunday trading, extend higher education grants to those attending private third level colleges and introduce pollution control and installation aid grants for farmers? If it does, what steps is he taking to measure progress in implementing those specific commitments?
I have answered the question I was asked.
They have not been implemented.
The Deputy should read his own question.