Status of the Industrial Policy White Paper
Burke asked whether the White Paper represented Government decisions. Bruton confirmed it was decided by Cabinet; Burke pressed the point, and the Ceann Comhairle and Minister noted that the question had already been addressed.
The Minister has emphasised the Government's industrial policy as laid out in the White Paper on Industrial Policy. Would the Minister confirm the status of that document? It is a Government document, containing Government decisions and the contents were the subject of Government decisions. Is that so?
Comment on this
The White Paper on Industrial Policy is a statement of Government decisions. It was circulated to all Government Departments, commented upon and then decided upon at Cabinet——
Comment on this
I want to clarify this. I am glad the Minister has emphasised that the document was circulated to Government Departments——
Comment on this
The area of employment is central to the country and the White Paper is central to the employment strategy. This document was circulated to all Government Departments, comments were made, discussions took place in Cabinet, decisions were taken and the document was published.
Comment on this
The contents of that document are Government decisions. Would the Minister confirm that that is so?