asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Government publicity contractors (Messrs. Wilson, Hartnell and Co), have for several successive weeks supplied a number of provincial newspapers with the official returns of the number of persons registered at the Employment Exchanges, and in view of this, whether he will direct that the official returns shall be communicated for publication to the Dublin and Cork daily newspapers as formerly was the practice.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PUBLICATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT RECORDS.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
I am informed by the firm mentioned that a newsletter issued by it to the provincial Press did contain particulars of the persons registered at Employment Exchanges. This does not alter my opinion that it is undesirable for me to resume the regular publication of the figures as suggested by the Deputy. Any person concerned can obtain the figures on application to my Department, but experience has not shown me that their publication serves any useful purpose.
Is the Minister aware that the information concerned is supplied by the Cumann na nGaedheal Party to Messrs. Wilson, Hartnell and Co. for the purpose of publication in the provincial Press?
I am not answering as Minister on behalf of the Cumann na nGaedheal Party.