asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the fact that the Transport Tribunal was established by authority of an order made by Dáil Eireann on December 7th, 1938, he will state by what authority he has declined to submit to Dáil Eireann the reports of the tribunal presented to him in August, 1939.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Tribunal Report.
The warrant appointing the Transport Tribunal was issued by my Department on the 22nd December, 1938, in pursuance of a resolution passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas on the 7th of that month. The warrant of appointment of the tribunal required them to inquire into the matters mentioned in the resolution and to report thereon to me. I am not aware that I am under any obligation to publish the tribunal's reports.
It is probable, however, that the reports will be published when the consideration referred to in answers to previous Parliamentary questions has been completed.
I think this is the most serious answer we have received yet. I have tabled this question many times and have received an unsatisfactory response each time. This is the most irresponsible reply which has been given yet.
Is this a question or a speech?
Does this mean that this House and the community are not going to have made available to them the report of a tribunal set up in the interests of the community as a whole, for their guidance in a matter of national importance?
The Deputy rose presumably to ask a question.
In view of this unsatisfactory reply, I propose to raise this matter on the adjournment.
There is a prior matter proposed for the adjournment.
I suggest that my question is of more importance.
Is the issue being decided now as to whether a matter of local importance is more serious than a matter of national importance?
May I point out that I have answered the question fully?