Ruairí Quinn
Question:6 Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the progress, if any, made with regard to the review of An Action Programme for the Millennium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15833/99]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Programme for Government.
The programme for Government – An Action Programme for the Millennium – is being continuously monitored to ensure 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.
The proposed review will commence shortly and will take account of the changed circum stances which have occurred since we came into Government. The review will be carried out over the summer months, and will be completed in the autumn, with a view to implementation in the forthcoming and subsequent budgets.
What form will the review take? Who will be involved in it?
The review will look at the programme for Government to see which aspects of it we have not focused on to the extent we should have because of developments over recent years. It will examine the continued development of the economy and where the priorities lie today, as compared to two or three years ago when we drew up many of our plans.
In the first instance, my programme manager and the Tánaiste's programme manager will probably identify the areas. While we have not yet agreed who will put that together, it will probably be the people who did it two years ago.
Given the Tánaiste's specific comment on Ireland's huge infrastructural deficit, will that be a central part of the negotiations? Does the Taoiseach accept there is a requirement for an inordinately increased capital programme to be put in place immediately?
That part of the infrastructural work has already taken place. We have had discussions and presentations in Government on the national plan. We have discussed it with the social partners. We must have it completed by the end of September. That work is ongoing.
The capital programme was increased by more than 25 per cent in the past two budgets, which was an enormous lift. The traditional figure here was between 2 per cent and 5 per cent.
That has been balanced by inflation and construction costs.
The figure is now 20 per cent or 25 per cent. That will have to continue, in terms of the provision of roads, water, sewerage and other basic infrastructure, whether it is with Exchequer funding, European funding or public-private partnerships. Those will all have to play a role in the development of Irish infrastructure over the next five years.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the Tánaiste's comments that any continuation or a revised programme for Government will, as far as she is concerned, involve a major opening up of competition in the taxi and pub sectors? Given the Taoiseach's efforts to restrict liberalisation of the taxi sector, have their conflicting—
That was a solo run by Deputy Callely.
I think he received a little help from the Taoiseach. Have the Taoiseach and Tánaiste reached any sort of accommodation on the question of competition in the taxi and pub sectors?
The Deputy's concern is touching.
If the Deputy were trying to catch a taxi he would know all about it.
All the issues we need to discuss will be discussed. I know Deputy Yates and some members of his party want a huge clampdown on taxi drivers. However, it is not that lucrative to be a taxi driver, hackney cab driver or co-si. It is fine on a Saturday night but they are not all millionaires. If they were, they would be living far better lifestyles than the majority of them do.
The Tánaiste is heading into a cul-de-sac and going nowhere. She will be told about her options again.