asked the Taoiseach if the Government have given further consideration to bringing the activities of State bodies, including their accounts, before a special committee of the Dáil; and if he will introduce proposals to establish such a committee.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Activities of State Sponsored Bodies.
3.
The possibility of establishing a special committee of the Dáil to review the activities of State sponsored bodies is being kept under consideration by the Government. As I have stated in reply to previous Parliamentary questions, the problem is a difficult one since a satisfactory solution would have to ensure that, on the one hand, ministerial control was not unduly restricted and, on the other hand, the commercial freedom of State sponsored bodies was protected.
Perhaps the Taoiseach would indicate whether he might consider introducing this procedure for a trial period in respect of certain selected companies?
As I have indicated to the Deputy, the procedure is kept under review. I propose to give it more active consideration between now and the re-assembly of the Dáil so, if the Deputy will raise the matter again early in the new session, we can deal with it.
Questions Nos. 4 and 5 postponed.