Written Answers. - ESRI Reports.
John Bruton
Ceist:
67
Mr. J. Bruton
asked the
Minister for Finance
if he has asked the National Economic and Social Council to consider and discuss the draft report of the Economic and Social Research Institute prepared for the Government in its preparation of the next national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5906/99]
Michael D'Arcy
Ceist:
72
Mr. D'Arcy
asked the
Minister for Finance
the steps, if any, he will take to assess the recommendations of the recent ESRI report on priorities for the economy; his views on the ESRI's advice regarding the imposition of various charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[10023/99]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:
309
Mr. Quinn
asked the
Minister for Finance
if he has received a copy of ESRI Report No. 33; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[9005/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 72 and 309 together.
As part of preparations for the National Development Plan, my Department commissioned the ESRI to carry out an assessment of investment priorities for the period 2000-6.
The report was published on March 20 and copies were placed in the Dáil Library shortly afterwards. The report recommends that the top investment priority should be given to public physical infrastructure, particularly in the area of roads, public transport, sanitary services, social housing and social, cultural and recreational infrastructure. The report also emphasises the importance of investment in human capital to expand the supply of skilled labour. There is a strong emphasis in the report on research and development which is regarded as an important element in expanding the economy's productive
capacity. A scaling back in public resources devoted to promoting investment in industry, services, tourism , agriculture, and energy and telecommunications is also recommended. The ESRI also notes that a major commitment is required to improving the planning process, including the development of physical planning for major urban areas.
As regards achieving a better spatial distribution of economic activity, the report recommends a nodal strategy for promoting balanced regional development which would involve investing in a small number of larger urban growth centres which could provide a development focus for their surrounding hinterlands. It also recommends identification for investment purposes of a limited number of smaller nodes to serve the widest possible population.
The report recommends a reduction in tax reliefs in certain areas, including elimination of mortgage interest relief and the introduction of charges for certain services. The revenue saved in this way is proposed to fund some of the investment proposals.
The ESRI report represents a significant input into the process of the preparation of the National Development Plan. Other significant inputs have been received by the social partners and I met with the partners earlier this year to discuss their individual priorities over the course of the NDP. Subsequent to the Government's decision to regionalise for the purpose of structural funds, consultants were commissioned to draw up strategy documents for each of the two new regions. These strategy documents are due to be published shortly and will also represent a valuable input into the NDP exercise. The NESC is involved in preparing a long-term strategy document and in this regard, I understand that the ESRI report will act as a contribution to that exercise. I have also invited the Dáil Committee on Finance and the Public Service to make a submission on the plan.
The drafting of the plan is being co-ordinated in my Department and it will be submitted to the Government as soon as possible. At this stage the Government is hoping to submit the NDP to the European Commission before the end of July. The plan will take account of all views submitted including those of the ESRI. I do not propose to assess the merits or otherwise of specific proposals put forward by the ESRI in advance of Government consideration of the contents of the plan. I can say, however, that I do agree with its emphasis on investment in infrastructure and human capital.
