asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether he has received requests from the Dublin Corporation, dated 9th and the 11th February, to receive a deputation of its members to discuss the question of food and fuel, also the use of the cooking equipment in the Mansion House for the purpose of cooking meals for the citizens and their children; and, if so, whether in view of the existing emergency he proposes to receive the deputation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food and Fuel.
Mr. Byrne
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part I set out my views in a letter sent to the City Manager on the 14th instant, which, no doubt, will be communicated to the Dublin City Council in due course.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Taoiseach agree to receive the deputation and get their point of view on conditions regarding food and fuel in the City of Dublin?
I think the Deputy might wait until he gets the letter communicated, in which he will see my views set out.
Mr. Byrne
Am I to understand that the Taoiseach will receive them?
I want the Deputy simply to understand that I have sent a letter to the City Manager, in which I have set out my views, and if the Deputy will wait until that letter comes before the corporation in due course, he will know what my views are.
Mr. Byrne
The City Manager and the elected representatives are different people. The elected representatives want to put their point of view to the Taoiseach regarding certain conditions existing in the City of Dublin to-day which are very bad.
Lest the Deputy did not hear my reply to the second part of his question I will repeat it for him:—
"As regards the second part I set out my views in a letter sent to the City Manager on the 14th instant, which, no doubt, will be communicated to the Dublin City Council in due course."
Mr. Byrne
That gives them no opportunity of replying and of putting their point of view to the Taoiseach.
I have nothing to add to what I have said.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's observations with regard to his proposed communication to the City Manager, is he aware that the City Manager's views on the use to which the cooking equipment in the Mansion House may be put are in absolute conflict with the views of all the members of the Dublin City Council?
That is a separate question.