asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that notice has been given of a new publication entitled Bulletin of Information which is described by its promoters as sanctioned and distributed by the Department of External Affairs and distributed also by the Department of Industry and Commerce, and if he will state whether this publication has any connection with any Minister or Government Department; and, if so, the nature of the connection, and particularly whether there is any arrangement for the supply of official information to this publication, for the purchase of copies with official funds or for its distribution through official channels.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - “Bulletin of Information.”
My attention has been drawn to the proposed publication referred to in the Deputy's question. This proposed publication is a private venture for which no Government Department bears any responsibility, financial or otherwise, and with which no Minister or Department has any connection. No arrangements were made by any Government Department for the supply of official information to this proposed publication, for the purchase of copies, or for its distribution through official channels, other than would be made in the case of other similar publications.
I might add that I understand that the promoters of the proposed publication withdrew the notepaper on which the statements quoted by the Deputy appeared when the incorrect and misleading nature of those statements was pointed out to them by the Department of External Affairs, some weeks ago, as soon as it came to the knowledge of that Department that such notepaper was being used by the promoters.