asked the Taoiseach whether he has now anything to add to the statement made by him on the 13th June, 1951, as reported in the Official Report of Dáil Debates, Volume 126, column 81, with regard to the combination of the portfolios of Social Welfare and Health in one individual.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Assignment of Ministers.
Mr. O'Higgins
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Taoiseach whether he is yet in a position to state if the assignment of Ministers to different Departments made by him on 13th June, 1951, and referred to by him as not finally fixed (Official Report of Dáil Debates, Volume 126, column 81) is likely to be changed.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to answer Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me to a question he addressed to me in this House on the 4th July, 1951, and to the reply given by the Tánaiste to a subsequent question on the same subject on the 31st October, 1951.
I informed the Dáil on the 13th June, 1951, that it was probable that at alater stage it would be necessary to have separate Ministers for Health and Social Welfare. Experience in the interval has shown, however, that the existing arrangement under which Dr. Ryan holds both Ministries works very well and I do not, therefore, propose to make any change.
On the 4th July, 1951, I informed the Deputy that the assignments of the other Departments of State could, at that time, be regarded as fixed.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary what sympathetic consideration the Government will give to the claim of Deputy Dr. Browne to one of these posts?
Always dirty implications!
Take your medicine. I only asked a question.
We know how the Deputy tried to get a Parliamentary Secretaryship.