asked the Minister for Finance if, with reference to the announcement made by the Taoiseach on 5th October, 1956, that the Government had decided to set up an investment committee, he will state (a) when the committee will hold its first meeting, and (b) what its functions and terms of reference are.

(a) It is intended that the committee will hold its first meeting on 12th December, 1956. (b) The functions of the committee are indicated by its terms of reference which have been announced and are as follows: "To consider and advise, with full regard to the needs and interests of the national economy, on the volume of public investment from time to time desirable, the general order of priority appropriate for the various investment projects, and the manner in which such projects should be financed".