John Bruton
Question:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the progress to date in implementing the programme for Government; the plans, if any, the Government has to revise the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9578/99]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Action Programme for the Millennium.
Ruairí Quinn
Question:3 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the proposals, if any, there are for review or revision of the Government programme, An Action Programme for the Millennium; the form the review will take; when it will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10102/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
The programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, is under continuous review to ensure that the Government's programme is being implemented. The Government also monitors all aspects of the economic and social life of this country so that we are in a position to respond to situations and needs as they arise. If An Action Programme for the Millennium needs to be revised to react to such needs, we will not hesitate to do so.
Why did the Taoiseach not refer in his reply to the announcement last weekend by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, that there would be a formal mid-term review? Was she a bit premature in making this announcement?
It would not be the first time.
I do not make announcements on what happens at political meetings of parties in the Government, of my own party or that of the Tánaiste.
We know that.
As Deputy Bruton knows, the Tánaiste made valid points, that things move on and are developing and that the country is changing. In particular, she referred to the necessity to use the National Development Plan to prepare ourselves for the changed circumstances, even from a few years ago, and I entirely agree with her.
Will there be a formal mid-term review?
We are looking at the areas and conditions of how we would do that. I think there will be, in certain areas.
Will the Taoiseach agree that what the Tánaiste indicated was that there would be a formal mid-term review, as had occurred on previous occasions in Governments involving the Taoiseach's and Tánaiste's parties? Was the Tánaiste correct to announce this? Is a formal, comprehensive mid-term review planned?
Is it not a bit late for a mid-term review?
Wishful thinking.
The Tánaiste referred specifically to where we should do this and that is what we will do.
As a mid-term review seems likely from the Taoiseach's response, will the Tánaiste's statement that it is time for the Republic to step back from Europe, as quoted in The Sunday Times on Easter Sunday, form part of that mid-term review? Are we to change this country's attitudes to the European institutions? Is that on the agenda for the mid-term review?
No.
Will there be a formal publication of the completed review or a debate in the House on it?
This Government has plenty of time to consider these matters. The issues put forward by the Tánaiste are ones I feel she is right to say we should look at.
Does the Taoiseach agree that the Tánaiste's comments are off the wall?
No.
(Dublin West): Will an issue that there does not seem to be much time for be part of this mid-term review? Will the Taoiseach revert to his original position on a referendum on membership of Partnership for Peace before the Irish people are dragged into a NATO-style alliance?
That matter is the subject of another question.