asked the Minister for External Affairs if it is a fact that Mr. S. O'Mara was some months ago sent by the Government on a special mission to America; if so, will he state the object of this mission and present a report of Mr. O'Mara's activities to the Dáil so that it may be enabled to judge how far the mission was warranted by the objects in view or justified by the results; and, further, if he will state Mr. O'Mara's allowances for (1) travelling expenses and (2) subsistence, and summarise the total cost to the State of this journey.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Mission to America.
The object of Mr. O'Mara's mission was to inspect our existing establishments in the United States and to examine the possibilities of extending our trade and consular representation with a view to providing further facilities and developing trade between the two countries. He has given me a report on the results of his investigations embodying certain recommendations which are under consideration. When the examination of the report has been completed I shall be glad to explain the position to the Dáil. I will at the same time give the Dáil the details of the expenditure involved.
Might I ask if the report of that special mission will be laid before the House?
I do not think so; the report is of an extremely confidential nature and it is not the kind that would be laid before the House.
What is it that the President intends to explain afterwards to the House?
The result of the decisions that may be arrived at with regard to the recommendations made.
We will simply have presented to us a statement of the decisions come to without knowing the reasons underlying these decisions?
It will be for the Dáil to demand the reasons for the decisions made.
I presume when this gentleman was appointed on the mission there was some arrangement made as to salary. Is it the intention now to tell the House what was the salary?
I think it has already been indicated to the House that there was no estimate as to the cost of the mission beyond the cost of subsistence and travelling allowances. There was no salary.
What has the mission cost?
There has been nothing beyond subsistence and travelling allowance; the cost has been only half the estimate.
Is the Minister aware that since Mr. S. O'Mara came home he closed one of his factories in the Free State?
What was the estimated expenditure—the President has just told us that the actual cost was only half the estimate?
The details and so on will be given to the Dáil when this matter comes up.
Might I point out that a specific question has been asked —as to the total cost to the State of this journey—and that question can be answered right away.
I have promised to give a complete reply as to the questions of expenses and so on when the matter comes before the Dáil again.
This question has been made the occasion for mentioning some other body's activities. Is the President also aware that Mr. O'Mara is at present engaged on the business of having that factory re-opened?