ESRI advice and independence

Summary

Shatter asks whether ESRI and NESC advice will be published. The Taoiseach says the ESRI will help prepare the plan and that the Government will take responsibility; FitzGerald raises concern about the ESRI’s independence.

Alan Shatter Mr. Shatter Fine Gael

Will the Taoiseach publish the advice given to him by the ESRI and the NESC prior to making a final decision on the plan?

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Charles J. Haughey The Taoiseach Fianna Fáil

No, it will not work that way. The ESRI will be fully involved in the preparation of the plan from the beginning. It will not be a question of their advising on the plan. They will be involved completely in its preparation.

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

And take responsibility for it.

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Charles J. Haughey The Taoiseach Fianna Fáil

The responsibility for it will be the responsibility of the Government. I know that, when Deputy FitzGerald was Taoiseach, he tried to place responsibility on others as much as possible. This Government will accept their responsibilities fully.

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Garrett Fitzgerald Dr. FitzGerald Fine Gael

I am concerned about the integrity and independence of the ESRI.

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Charles J. Haughey The Taoiseach Fianna Fáil

What about the ridiculous three economists on whom the Deputy tried to fob off responsibility for wages policy? Does the Deputy remember that? If I had been responsible for that disaster I would not dare ask a question in this House on economic matters for two years.

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