asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he stated at Nobber on October 25th, as reported in the Press, that there could be no hunger in an island where all the necessities of life existed in plenty as they existed in Ireland, that it simply required a Government in office with a plan and the people behind them, and that the Government had a plan and, if so, if he will state what is the reason for the delay in putting this plan into operation, and give the Dáil any information as to the nature of the plan.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - The Economic Situation.
The Government's proposals for the abolition of unemployment and destitution in Saorstát Eireann have, in part, been put into operation; are, in part, before the Oireachtas and will from time to time be announced to the Dáil in such manner and at such times as the Government deems desirable.
Has the Minister in fact in mind such a plan as he has adumbrated in his speech?
Yes.
If he has in his mind such a plan, is there anything to stop him from revealing it forthwith to a suffering universe?
I refer the Deputy to my answer.
Is the Minister aware that in June last when the volume of unemployment was not at all as great as it is to-day, this House passed a resolution that the Government would take immediate steps to provide either work or maintenance for the unemployed? Will the Minister tell us if such steps were taken?
If the Deputy wants a reply to that question he should put it down in the ordinary way.
I submit, sir, that my question arises out of the reply to the question on the Order Paper.
I disagree with that.
It is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle, not a matter for the Minister.
I do not think the Deputy's question arises out of the reply given by the Minister.
Very well, I accept that.