asked the Taoiseach if it is the intention of the Government to see that every Minister and Parliamentary Secretary will refrain while in office from active participation in any business or profession for reward.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.
Every member of the Government and Parliamentary Secretary will comply with the principle that he should not engage in any activities whatever that would interfere, or be incompatible, with the full and proper discharge by him of the duties of his office. In particular, the rule is being and will be observed that a member of the Government or a Parliamentary Secretary should not hold a company directorship.
It would not be practicable, however, to lay down in a rigid form, a rule such as that suggested by the Deputy. To take one example, which was mentioned by my predecessor on the 11th December last, it would probably be agreed that a farmer should not be expected to divest himself of his farm on being appointed a Minister, provided, of course, that any demands on his time and attention which the supervision of his farm might involve would not interfere with the full discharge of his Ministerial functions.
In such matters as these, the first guide must be the Minister's or Parliamentary Secretary's own judgment as to what activities, outside his official functions, are proper and consistent with the high standards which must be demanded of men in public life. In any case of doubt, the Taoiseach, as the Head of the Government, must be the judge of whether any particular activities by a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary are compatible with his official position.
Will the Taoiseach express a view as to whether he thinks it proper that a member of the Government should act as a committee man of a trade union having business with Government Departments?
That is a rather important question and I think the Deputy should give notice if he wishes to have it examined. I think I have stated the principle as broadly as it could be stated. The Deputy can see that the general intention is that no Minister or Parliamentary Secretary should engage in any activity which would be incompatible with the discharge of his official duties. I as Taoiseach would have to take into account any activity such as is mentioned by the Deputy.