asked the Minister for Finance when the proposed reconstituted National Economic Council will meet.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Economic Council.
33.
The views of all interested parties on the constitution and terms of reference of the new council have now been received. As, however, the last of these views only came to hand yesterday they are still under consideration.
May I ask the Minister if there has been any change in Government policy in relation to the right of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to nominate representatives of their choice, a policy which has been effectively preventing the setting up of the council for many months?
I would point out that the last of the views sought only came to hand yesterday. We do not make instant decisions.
Is it not the case that the reason the council has not been established is that the Government decided on certain exclusions from membership and that these are being fought by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions? Would the Parliamentary Secretary state what are these exclusions and defend them to this House?
Views have been sought and the last of these were sought yesterday. They are under consideration and I understand that there is a letter on its way to Mr. Roberts.
May I ask——
No. I have already called Question No. 34. We must get on with the questions, and there are a lot on the Order Paper.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if there has been any change of policy in view of the fact that the letter is now on its way to Mr. Roberts?
I am not aware of any such change.
May I ask——
The Deputy may not ask. Will he please resume his seat.
This is an important question.
All the questions are important.
Might I impress on the Deputy that the last of the views were received yesterday and are now under consideration. He will not get a decision today.
How long did it take the Government to decide to exclude certain people?
I am not a member of the Government.
Then, you should not be answering questions.
In view of the entirely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.