asked the Taoiseach if he is now in a position to indicate in detail what steps have been taken by the Government to formulate schemes of economic and social importance which can be brought into operation immediately after the present emergency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Post-Emergency Schemes.
As I stated in reply to Parliamentary Questions addressed to me on the 27th October and 30th March last, a Cabinet Committee was set up in November, 1942, to direct the post-war planning activities of all Departments. I also stated that a committee with wide terms of reference was engaged in the consideration of the post-war policy in regard to agriculture. This committee has already submitted a number of interim reports to the Minister for Agriculture.
The Cabinet Committee, which has been meeting frequently, has considered and approved in principle a large number of schemes submitted to it by the several Departments and has continued to urge on all Departments the desirability of expediting arrangements for the co-relating of these schemes and their development to the greatest extent possible in existing circumstances. The matters covered by these schemes include agriculture, land division, afforestation, fisheries, housing and other constructional works, transport and communications and general industrial development. Details of certain projects, such as rural electrification and arterial drainage, have already been made public and other schemes will be published from time to time according as they reach the appropriate stage.
The Deputy will recollect that at the end of last year a separate branch was established in the Department of Industry and Commerce to which was assigned the task of ensuring the execution on a basis planned in consultation with the various interests concerned, of all building activities in the post-war years, whether sponsored by the Government, by local authorities, or by private enterprise. A considerable amount of preparatory work has already been accomplished by this branch, and much valuable information accumulated.
I should like to impress on the Deputy, however, that the scarcity conditions which characterise the emergency will not disappear with the cessation of hostilities, and that many types of materials, and possibly certain types of labour, will be scarce for varying periods after the war. Most of the plans, therefore, which are being prepared now can only be given effect to gradually according as the supply position improves, and it seems inevitable that for some time a system of priorities will have to be operated, at least so far as building and constructional works are concerned. The necessary preliminary steps to this end are under consideration.
I should add that special attention is being given to the planning of works with a high employment content for the larger urban areas and for those rural areas which past experience has shown to be most likely to need works of this kind.
The Taoiseach mentioned transport and communications. Are we to understand that the committee of which he speaks considered the transport question, both rail and road transport, in relation to the general economy of the country?
It is not merely a question of transport but the necessary preliminary foundation is being laid and this whole question was under consideration.
Did the committee consider the effect of the proposed transport scheme on their plans?
They were aware of the scheme and that it was a necessary foundation. This had to be done before other things could be taken in hand.