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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newspaper Articles by State Officials.

asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention was directed to the article relating to Social Insurance published in the Sunday Independent on March 21st, 1943, and whether the writer was Mr. P.S. O'Hegarty, Secretary of the Post Office; and, if so, whether the article was published with the previous knowledge or with the consent of the Government; further, whether he will state if there is any regulation or rule relating to the publication by high State officials of signed articles containing comment or criticism on matters of current political interest, and if there is no such rule, whether he will take steps to ensure that when publishing articles of this nature such officials will make it clear to the public that they are expressing personal opinion only.

I have read the article referred to, which was written by the Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. Neither the Government as a whole nor any member of it had seen the article before publication or was aware of the intention to publish it. Obviously, therefore, the Government was in no way responsible for the views expressed in the article. There is a Civil Service regulation which forbids civil servants to "contribute to newspapers or other publications any letters or articles conveying information, comment or criticism on any matter of current political interest." The Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs has been informed that the publication of his article was a breach of this regulation, and one of which the Government has taken serious notice. He has expressed his regret and given an assurance that there will be no repetition of the incident.

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