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Dáil Éireann - Volume 464 - 23 April, 1996 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ireland American Advisory Board. Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern 8. Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the matters on which he has sought the advice of the Ireland American Advisory Board. [8071/96] The Taoiseach John Bruton The Taoiseach: I refer the Deputy to my replies to his parliamentary questions in the House on 26 March last and on 4 April 1995. Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern: Much work was done in setting up this board. It can be extremely helpful and constructive to the development of the Irish economy. Does somebody within the Government or within the Taoiseach's Department have the liaison role of working closely with the board? The Taoiseach John Bruton The Taoiseach: Yes, although when I became Taoiseach there was no specific officer with responsibility for dealing with the board—— Mrs. O'Rourke Mrs. O'Rourke Mrs. O'Rourke: The previous Taoiseach did it himself. The Taoiseach John Bruton The Taoiseach: —— even though it was doing good work under the previous Administration, as it continues to do under this one. I have appointed an official in my Department, who is probably known to the Deputy, to take responsibility for liaison with this body, a task for which he is extremely well suited. Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern: I appreciate the Taoiseach's reply but I do not like the innuendo. The person who looked after the committee's work under the previous Government was the Taoiseach's predecessor. The Taoiseach John Bruton 559 [559] The Taoiseach: I met this committee as frequently as my predecessor, who did good work with it and to whom I give credit for having established the body. However, there was no official to complement the work the Taoiseach of the day was doing and this, when it came to matters of follow-up detail as distinct from general policy orientation, left a gap in continuity. I have appointed Mr. Donagh Morgan, former programme manager, to the responsible and important task of liaising with this body, a task for which he is extremely well qualified. Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey: If the Taoiseach has the opportunity to meet the board in the near future, will he explain the views he expressed at the opening of NEC in Ballivor about non-Japanese foreign companies in this country? An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is raising another matter. Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey: Will he take the opportunity to meet the board to explain his views? An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should put down a question on that subject. Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey Mr. Dempsey: I will. Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern Mr. B. Ahern: It is interesting. Dáil Éireann 464 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Ireland American Advisory Board. Questions 19960423
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