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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1947

Vol. 109 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Parliamentary Secretaries and Business.

asked the Taoiseach if he will consider the desirability of extending to Parliamentary Secretaries the rule which debars Minister from taking part in any business for profit; and if so, if he will have this done before the pending dissolution.

"Taking part in any business for profit" is a very wide term. I am not aware of any such extreme rule applying here as that stated by the Deputy, nor am I aware of such being applied in any country. To lay down precise rules as to the private activities which might properly be carried on by a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary and those which should not be carried on is obviously a matter of considerable difficulty.

It is for that reason, amongst others, that, on the 11th March last, I moved in the Dáil for the setting up of a Joint Committee of both Houses to examine this and related questions of importance concerning the duties and privileges of members of the Oirachteas. The motion was passed by the Dáil and has been on the Order Paper of the Seanad for a considerable time. I have hesitated to take it the further stage because of the attitude of the Opposition when the motion was being discussed here. It is clearly desirable, in a matter of this sort, to have the wholehearted co-operation of all Parties, but the Leader of the Opposition made it clear that the co-operation of his Party would not be forthcoming.

I think that, on the assembly of the new Dáil, the whole question should be taken up immediately as a matter of urgent importance.

Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply, does the Taoiseach not realise that there is a definite restriction established by custom on Ministers taking active part in business concerns and does he not think that the same restriction should apply to Parliamentary Secretaries?

I do not know what the Deputy means by "custom". We are just as strict here as, for instance, in Britain. Here no member of the Government or Parliamentary Secretary holds a company directorship carrying remuneration.

Does the Taoiseach not realise that a Parliamentary Secretary did hold a directorship in a bacon factory and when he was supposed to be curing the sick he was instead curing bacon?

Deputies

Oh, oh!

Are farmers who are members of the Government expected to give up their farms then?

Logically, yes.

Logically, yes!

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