asked the Minister for Finance if, in connection with the statement (Dáil Debates of 25th March, 1954, Volume 145, column 258) that it was proposed to seek a report from the Attorney-General on the matter of the contract for Government advertising recently awarded to a new contractor, he will state whether a report has now been obtained; and, if so, the details thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Advertising Contract.
The opinion of the Attorney-General regarding certain aspects of the contract referred to in the Deputy's question was duly obtained by my predecessor. It would be contrary to practice to disclose the details thereof.
Surely when a question is raised in the House and there is a discussion on it and when the matter is sent to the Attorney-General for his opinion, some indication should be given to the House as to whether the allegation implied in the question was well-founded or not.
It is not for me to comment on the reply which my predecessor made on the adjournment debate, arising out of the Deputy's question in the last Dáil, but the Deputy will at once appreciate that it would be quite impossible if the opinion of the Attorney-General on legal matters such as this were broadcast.
Is the Minister satisfied, now that he has this information from the Attorney-General, that the implications in the question were well founded?
The Minister is satisfied that a contract is in existence for the period for which it was originally undertaken and completed.
How long is that?