asked the Taoiseach whether steps have been taken to consider the formulation of plans and proposals for economic development and reconstruction after the war; whether any committee or other body has been set up for that purpose, and, if so, whether he will state the names of the persons appointed to such committee or body.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post-War Planning.
Under instructions from the Government all Government Departments and certain statutory bodies such as the Electricity Supply Board and the Irish Tourist Board have, for a considerable time past, been giving urgent attention to the preparation of plans for post-war economic development and reconstruction and to the taking of such preliminary measures as are feasible in present circumstances so that approved plans can be carried into effect with the minimum delay when the emergency terminates.
A Committee of the Cabinet consisting of the Taoiseach and the Ministers for Finance and Industry and Commerce and Supplies which was set up in November last keeps under observation the progress made by the Departments in formulating proposals for post-war activities and makes suggestions as to steps which might be taken to expedite planning and the carrying out of preparatory work in existing conditions. Other Ministers are brought into consultation by the Committee as circumstances require.
In the case of agriculture, a Committee with wide terms of reference under the chairmanship of Professor T.A. Smiddy is engaged in the consideration of post-war policy. The members of the Committee are:—Mr. R. C. Barton, Professor C. Boyle, University College, Cork; Professor J. C. Drew, University College, Dublin; Professor J. Johnston, Trinity College, Dublin; Dr. Henry Kennedy, Irish Agricultural Organisation Society Ltd.; Professor E. J. Sheehy, University College, Dublin; Mr. J. Mahony, Agricultural Inspector, Department of Agriculture.