asked the President if he is aware that Deputies are only notified of Emergency Duties Orders two days after they are published in the public Press, and if he will arrange in future that Deputies receive notice of these orders before publication in the public Press.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emergency Duties Orders.
Minister for Local Government and Public Health (for The President)
Copies of all orders made by the Executive Council under the Emergency Imposition of Duties Act, 1932, are made available simultaneously for issue to the Press and for distribution to members of the Oireachtas. Having regard to the nature of these orders, and the necessity for bringing their terms to the early notice of persons likely to be concerned, it is not considered desirable to delay their publication as suggested by the Deputy.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I should like to point out that the result is they reach Deputies two days after they have appeared in the Press, and possibly three days after being broadcast. While I quite agree with what the Minister says, I think it is not in keeping with what ought to be the position.
I do not think there ought to be such delay as that. I do not see any reason for it if they are issued simultaneously to the Press and to Deputies. Certainly there ought not to be two days between the date on which the documents are received by Deputies and publication in the Press.
Take the last four Orders issued. They were broadcast on Friday, they appeared in the Press on Saturday, but Deputies did not receive them until Monday.
Is the Minister aware that quota orders do not reach Deputies at all?
There may be good reason for that.
Others have reached Deputies in the same way.
I think there is no obligation that they should.
Can the Minister say what is the reason for withholding them?
No reason.
Will they be circulated in future?
I could not make any promise.
Would the Minister for Industry and Commerce?