I should like to ask you, sir, if you are aware that what appears to be a Cumann na nGaedheal election pamphlet has been distributed within the precincts of the House by official attendants, and if that has been done with your consent?
Circulation of a Document.
I am not aware of that. If it has been done, it has not been done with my consent.
The document apparently is the Cumann na nGaedheal argument with reference to the land annuities.
Will the Deputy show me the document?
Yes, here it is.
To whom is it addressed?
Is the Deputy satisfied now?
He will be less satisfied when he reads it.
I wonder could we be informed if this document has been printed at the public expense or if the Cumann na nGaedheal organisation is paying the cost of it?
Out of the £40,000.
The Deputy has put a point to me. Will he keep to that point?
Is it in order that this document should be circulated within the precincts of the House to the members of the Dáil?
This, as is stated on its face, is a document presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas by order of the Executive Council. Therefore, it is circulated to members of this House, and it is in order to do that. It will appear in the Journal of the House as a document presented by the Executive Council. That is the only concern that the Ceann Comhairle has about it.
Is it not done at the expense of the people?
Will the President tell us the cost of printing the document, and from what fund the cost is being met?
I do not think that question is in order now.
Will the Comptroller and Auditor-General comment on the publication of this document in the same terms as he commented upon the money expended on the President's propaganda tour in America?
He is welcome to it.
Will it be necessary to surcharge the Attorney-General the cost of it?
Read it and digest it.
We would not be bothered reading it. We know what is in it.