I thank the Chair for giving me an opportunity of making this personal explanation. I had a question addressed to the Minister for External Affairs on the 24th February, columns 852 and 853 of the Official Debates. When the Minister answered my question the Minister for Finance, Deputy Sweetman, saw fit to state that I had not the courage to appear in the House while that question was being answered.
Deputy's Personal Explanation.
I never said any such thing. If I am reported as saying it I did not say it. Somebody else said it.
I will quote from the Official Report, which says:—
"Why had the Deputy who put down the question not enough courage to come into the House and ask the question?"
Was that not Deputy Sweetman?
No. It was somebody else.
The Parliamentary Secretary interjected.
Let us not have an inquisition as to who said what. The Minister for Finance did not say it.
Mr. Lemass
Ministers never say what they are reported as saying nowadays.
You know that.
Deputy Brady on a personal explanation.
The Minister for Finance also suggested that the question was inspired by Deputy Lemass. I understand that the Minister's words were broadcast at least twice from Radio Eireann. I want to explain to the House, as I have already explained to you, Sir, that the reason I was not present that day was because I was ill and when I was informed by the doctor that I was not to leave my bed, I sent word not only to the Whip of my Party but to the officials of this House explaining that I could not be present. That is, No. 1. No. 2, I want to state quite clearly and definitely that nobody inside or outside this House had any responsibility for that question other than myself. I neither consulted nor asked the advice of anybody. Whatever was in the question I personally am responsible for it.
That is a purely personal matter. Order of business.
As the matter has been raised—I did not read the report before—might I state that I did not make the first remark to which Deputy Brady refers and so far as the second remark is concerned I think I suggested it was Deputy Boland made the suggestion, not Deputy Lemass?
Now that the Minister has spoken, I wonder would he have the decency to apologise?
I cannot allow a debate on this matter. The matter is closed. I allowed the Minister for Finance to correct what was in the report.
Might I just add that I am stating what is accurate for the record, that so far as any remark I did make apropos of Deputy Brady is concerned and the question that he put down that day, if he puts down more questions on the same lines I will repeat it?
Since my name has been brought in, may I say this? It was suggested I inspired that question.
We cannot allow a discussion on this.
Anything I had to say I have always said it here. I never asked anyone to say it for me.
It was between you it was.
I cannot allow every Deputy to make a statement in this matter.