asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when it is proposed to publish the Report of the Committee on Industrial Assurance.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INDUSTRIAL ASSURANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
Inquiries are proceeding as to the practicability of certain reciprocal arrangements with the British Government which are recommended in the report. As soon as these inquiries are completed the report will be published.
Can the Minister explain why the report should not be published until an answer has been received from the British Ministry?
Because the inquiries deal with the practicability of certain reciprocal arrangements which it is desired to set up. I have learned from the Deputy who has asked the question that it is not wise always to reveal your hand.
Does the Minister relieve any members of this Committee of their obligations to maintain silence until some arrangements have been made with the British Government?
I should like to believe that the Committee have discharged their obligations when it presented its report, and that no member of the Committee would break silence or secrecy on any matters dealt with in the report.
Would the Minister consider that the members of that Committee were breaking silence or secrecy if they explained their views of what ought to be in the report?
Well, that is rather a hypothetical question, and I would rather be sure of my grounds before answering it. I think if anybody made any recommendation regarding certain suggested arrangements to be entered into with the British Government that would be most undesirable.