asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government propose to take any steps to introduce an acceptable form of public and parliamentary accountability for State-sponsored bodies; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Bodies Accountability.
14.
Mr. O'Donnell
The general question of public and parliamentary accountability for State-sponsored bodies is related to the recommendations in regard to the restructuring of the public service in the report of the Public Services Organisation Review Group. These recommendations are under consideration and, until such time as decisions are taken in relation to them, it is not envisaged that any change will be made in the existing arrangements governing the public and parliamentary accountability of State-sponsored bodies.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can the Minister give any indication as to when we may expect some definite development along these lines?
I am not in a position to give any firm indication in that regard.
Is the Minister aware that this matter was considered in great detail during the period of the first inter-Party Government? His Department have many files on it. The conclusion was arrived at that it would not be helpful to have a parliamentary committee to do this kind of job. Has the Minister seen the files?
No; I have heard of them. They may not be relevant in the sense that I have indicated.
They are relevant.
Relevant to what we are considering at the moment. As I have indicated, consideration of this matter is tied in with consideration of the report of the Public Services Organisation Review Group which covers a wider area than that mentioned in this question. Furthermore, it is quite a long time since the first inter-Party Government were in office, and circumstances change.
Does this problem change with the passage of time?
No, but circumstances change. The range of activities of State-sponsored bodies changes and, while I am not attempting in any way to prejudge the issue, it is a matter which would not suffer by further consideration at this time.
It would be no harm if the Minister read the files.