asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state if he has received the report of the Commission on Emigration; and, if so, when it will be published.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Commission on Emigration.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is expected that the report of the Commission on Emigration will be available before 31st December, 1952.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.
I have not yet received the report of the Commission on Emigration and Other Population Problems and I am not in a position to add anything to what I said in reply to a question by Deputy Donnellan last Wednesday the 26th ultimo, namely, that I understand that every effort is being made by the commission to have the report furnished at the earliest possible date.
In view of the fact that the Minister and his Party believed 18 months ago that this report should have been available at that time, would he now say whether he is satisfied that there was justification for the delay which has taken place since June last year?
I take no responsibility for that commission.
That is not the question, Sir. If the Minister will answer the question put, we will make much better progress.
Is the Minister aware that until he took office, there was no question of a report?
We will let that brilliant shaft go. I call the Minister's attention to the fact that 18 months ago he and his Party stated that there was no justification for the delay in presenting this report. Deputy McGrath will testify to that if he is here. Will the Minister now say that he is satisfied that there was justification for the delay which has taken place since that time?
Will the Minister now state that he is satisfied that the responsibility for the delays was Deputy Norton's?
Could the Minister say if the Commission on Emigration has since emigrated?