asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce to state whether he is now prepared to lay on the Table of the House the contract between the Government and Messrs. Siemens Schuckert Werke for the execution of the Shannon Power Development Scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Development Contract.
I see no justification for the course suggested.
Is the Minister aware that this is the third time this question has been put down? On the first occasion three years ago the answer the Minister gave was to the effect that as the contract was not completed it would not be in the interests of the contractors to expose the contract, as it would show the quantity of materials that they had yet to purchase. Then I asked a question subsequent to the completion of the contract and the Parliamentary Secretary stated on behalf of the Minister that he saw no reason to have the contract laid on the Table of the House. In view of the circumstances of the activities of the Board, and the desire of the Dáil and the public to know something about the whole scheme, will he now consider putting on the Table of the House the particulars of this contract?
The answer to the three parts of the question is in the negative.
Does the Minister say that the answer is in the negative when I state that I asked a question three years ago and got a certain answer?
No. The Deputy asked if I was aware, and I am not.
Will the Minister try to find out this evening something about this matter as he takes the responsibility of answering the question?
The answer is in the negative.
I hope that will be the answer you will get at the elections.
No doubt the Deputy will.