asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to provide up to date harbour facilities for the fishermen of County Wexford, so that they may be able to use a larger type of fishing craft in safe anchorage, and so compete on an equal basis with foreign trawlers that fish off the Irish coast.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harbour Facilities for Wexford Fishermen.
8.
Proposals for the provision of some major fishery harbours to serve the State as a whole are at present being formulated and, when these are received, a development programme will be undertaken.
Could the Minister indicate when these proposals will be formulated?
No, Sir.
Could the Minister say if any harbours have been definitely selected for reconstruction?
I understand a consultant has been employed to advise the Department and, along with other engineers, he is engaged on that work, but no report has been received.
There is no information as to what harbours will be further developed?
No.
Before proceeding to the next business, would you indicate, Sir, your reasons for refusing my request to raise on the Adjournment my question on yesterday's Order Paper relating to Bantry General Hospital?
It has been indicated to the Deputy already. The question is not one envisaged by Standing Orders.
With due resepct, Sir——
I shall not allow a discussion of my ruling. The Deputy will resume his seat.
You have given me no reason, Sir.
I have indicated to the Deputy the reason the request was refused.
In what way?
I have already told the Deputy.
Verbally or in writing?
I shall not allow my decision to be discussed.
You have conveyed no decision to me yourself, either in writing or otherwise.
I conveyed it through one of my officials.
Surely if a Deputy asks for the reason why a matter raised publicly should not be further raised, the House is entitled to be told what the reason is?
The Deputy knows quite well the Minister has no direct function in the matter.
Why could we not be told?
The reply was that a dispute existed between the Minister and the I.M.A. Is it not clearly a function of the Minister?
I cannot allow the Deputy to proceed.
How can I get information, if you will not allow me?
Deputy Flanagan, to resume the debate.
That seems a very peculiar ruling.
The best contribution to the Chair the Minister for Health can make is the one he is making now.
I am afraid there is some connivance in this matter. I shall not add anything further.