asked the Taoiseach if he will state who has been appointed to discharge the functions of the Attorney-General during his absence at the tercentenary function in South Africa and by virtue of what powers or under what statute such an appointment has been made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attorney-General's Deputy.
It has not been necessary on this occasion or on previous occasions on which the Attorney-General has been absent from Ireland to consider any special arrangements for the discharge of his functions during his absence. Modern means of communication and travel are so rapid that matters requiring the Attorney's personal attention can always be dealt with even when he is abroad. In fact, the Attorney will be absent for only a few weeks—no longer than the time for which he might be absent on an ordinary holiday.
May I ask what is the position, in view of the fact that the Attorney-General is out of the country, if a case should arise where there is a time limit prescribed by law for the bringing of an action? Who is empowered by the Government to issue a fiat in that situation?
I can only say that on this occasion, as on previous occasions, the matter was carefully examined to see if any conditions or circumstances existed which might make it necessary to have a substitute. If there were such circumstances, we would probably not permit the Attorney-General to leave.