asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the increasing participation of the State in industrial and commercial life he has under consideration any tightening up of the present regulations governing the private connections of State officials with business organisations, with particular reference to officials. serving in the Departments of Industry and Commerce and Supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - State Officials and Business Organisations.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question by Deputy Larkin (Junior) on Tuesday, 28th March, 1944.
Has the Minister considered the number of officials who may be financially interested in business concerns? To a great extent, the enforcing of existing regulations will depend upon whether the number is large or small. If a great proportion of the officials are financially interested in business concerns it will be absolutely impracticable to enforce existing regulations without disorganising the work of the Department.
I have given all aspects of this question very serious consideration.
Has the Minister included in his considerations the enormous expansion of Governmental interference in business and the difficulty which might arise in getting impartial decisions where officials are financially interested in a particular firm?
I have answered that question.