andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for External Affairs whether members of the Dáil and Seanad are furnished with briefings from his Department when attending as delegates to international functions; and, if so, whether any such briefings were supplied to the representatives who recently attended an Inter-Parliamentary function in Geneva.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Briefing of Delegates to International Functions.
14.
The answer to both parts of the Deputies' question is in the negative.
Delegates attending meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union or other international conferences who approach my Department are of course supplied with all information at our disposal relating to the Agenda.
Might I inquire are similar facilities available to delegates going to international gatherings, other than strictly political ones, such as trade discussions, meetings of the International Labour Office, or international business conferences at which Irish delegates attend?
We always try to help if we are asked. Of course, some of these trade organisations and groups attending International Labour Conferences might seek information in the Department of Industry and Commerce, but where it would be appropriate we would be prepared to give any information at our disposal that might be of help to them in their consideration of the agendas of these meetings.
The correct procedure is to apply to the Secretary of the Department of External Affairs?
If it does not fall to be dealt with by the Department of Industry and Commerce.
In that event——
We direct them to the right source. If application is made to us, we shall give them all the help we can.