asked the Taoiseach if the question of bringing the affairs of State or semi-State bodies under review by a Dáil or Parliamentary Committee has been further considered by the Government; and what action he proposes to take on the matter.

The question of parliamentary review of the affairs of State-sponsored bodies is being kept under consideration by the Government. The problem is, however, a difficult and complex one and a satisfactory solution has not yet been devised. Any such review would have to be so conducted that on the one hand it did not trespass on the statutory control of the Ministers responsible to the Oireachtas for these bodies and on the other hand it did not interfere with, or curtail, the commercial freedom of the bodies in regard to day-to-day affairs which is so important in the operation of any business enterprise.

At present, where the State provides funds from voted moneys there is opportunity for annual parliamentary debate on the affairs of the State-sponsored bodies concerned. In other cases opportunity for parliamentary debate arises from time to time when legislation in relation to State-sponsored bodies is before the House. The annual reports and accounts of State-sponsored bodies are also normally made available to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Is it not a fact that this whole matter of the very essential reform of parliamentary procedure falls due for consideration by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges at an early date?

It does.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if consideration is being given to the establishment of a Dáil Committee?

As I said, the question of parliamentary review of the activities of these State-sponsored bodies is kept under consideration and, as the Deputy knows, the matter has been the subject of various Parliamentary Questions. The matter is under constant review.

Will the Government take into consideration the Labour Party proposals for the reform of Parliament?

The Labour Party proposals are very wide.

Very far-reaching.

I said "wide" not "wild".

It is to be hoped that the Government will find it possible to support them as they are progressive proposals.

(Cavan): Now that they are dismantling Taca you never know what they might do.