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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 5 Feb 1969

Vol. 238 No. 3

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy.

1.

asked the Taoiseach if he will outline any policy changes which the Government envisage in 1969 to make the resources and wealth of Ireland fully subservient to the needs and welfare of all the people of Ireland.

2.

asked the Taoiseach if he will detail the policy by which the Government will develop in Ireland a distinctive national life in accordance with Irish traditions and ideals.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.

The political, economic and social aims of Government policy are well known, having been publicly stated on many occasions.

Future policy developments in the economic and social fields will be given in greater details in the Third Programme, which will be designated Third Programme: Economic and Social Development, 1969-72, to be published in the near future.

May I ask the Taoiseach whether something more urgent might not be in contemplation, and if we might not more advantageously turn the resources of this country to advantage by recognising the validity of the criticism made against us that urgent issues are now being discussed on the street before they are discussed in Dáil Éireann? Would he not consider the inappropriateness of discussing the Committee Stage of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill today——

Deputy Dillon is well aware that this does not arise on Questions Nos. 1 or 2.

——when the whole industry of the country and the whole educational system is grinding to a halt?

It is quite out of order. It does not arise.

Would the Taoiseach also consider that the essential resource of this country which is being recklessly misused——

Is this in order?

It is not in order. It has nothing to do with the two Questions under discussion at the moment.

This question deals with making——

We can have no discussion. I am calling Question No. 3.

——"...the resources and wealth of Ireland fully subservient to the needs and welfare of all the people of Ireland." The resources of Dáil Éireann are not being made subservient——

This would open up a debate. Question No. 3.

I will sit down when I am ready to sit down and not at the dictation of the Government Whip.

The Deputy is completely out of order.

I fail to see how a discussion on the two issues to which Deputy Dillon has referred would serve the purpose he has in mind to any extent.

The sooner you discuss inflation the better it will be for everyone.

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