Taoiseach questioned on mid-term policy review

The Taoiseach confirmed that the Government is to have the mid-term policy review signalled at the weekend by the Tanaiste.

Mr Ahern said the programme for government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, was under continuous review to ensure the Government's review was being implemented.

"The Government also monitors all aspects of the economic and social life of this country so that we are in a position to respond to situations and needs as they arise. "If the Action Programme for the Millennium needs to be revised to react to such needs, we will not hesitate to do so."

The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, asked about Ms Harney's announcement that there would be a formal mid-term review. "Was she a bit premature on this announcement?"

Mr Ahern said he did not make announcements about what happened at meetings of the Government parties.

"As Deputy Bruton knows, the Tanaiste made very valid points, that things move on, things are developing, the country is changing. She particularly made reference to the necessity to use the National Development Plan to prepare ourselves for the changed circumstances. And I entirely agree with her."

Mr Bruton asked: "Will there be a formal mid-term review or not?" Mr Ahern replied: "We are looking at the areas and the conditions of how we would do that. There will be in certain areas."

Mr Bruton said the Tanaiste had indicated that there would be a formal mid-term review, as had occurred in previous occasions in governments involving the Progressive Democrats and Fianna Fail. "Could I ask the Taoiseach if the Tanaiste was correct in announcing this or not?"

Mr Ahern said the Tanaiste had made specific references to areas where there should be a review. "That is what we will do."

Asked by the Labour deputy leader, Mr Brendan Howlin, if there would be a debate in the House on the review, Mr Ahern said: "This Government has plenty of time to consider these things, and I am sure the issues put forward by the Tanaiste are the ones we should be looking at."