asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make available the report of the inter-departmental committee which in 1945 investigated the proposal to establish a free port in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Port: Report of Committee.
It is not the practice to publish the reports of inter-departmental committees. These committees are set up to report on various matters for the confidential information of the Government. Their reports are not prepared for publication as in the case of public committees and tribunals. I regret that I would, therefore, be unable to make the report in question available.
In view of the fact that the report has been quoted in the Minister's replies to Deputies, does he not think it would be reasonable to make it available?
A memorandum based on the report was circulated to certain harbour authorities at the time.
Could that be now tabled?
I presume it could be.
Does that mean that the Minister will make this information available?
I shall consider it.
Thank you.