asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of the deplorable living conditions of young Irish workers engaged in the Scottish potato fields; and if he will make representations to the appropriate authorities in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions of Irish Workers in Scottish Potato Fields.
8.
I have received no complaints but I have seen a newspaper report containing the complaints about the living conditions of the Irish workers referred to by the Deputy. I am having special enquiries made into the matter.
Will the Minister see to it in future, before he allows young children to leave the country, that the employment exchanges will not be used for that purpose?
That is a different matter altogether.
Will the Deputy advise the people of Galway that the new industries being established there——
Is this in order?
(Interruptions)
I would ask the Minister to get the people of Galway to——
(Interruptions)
Order!
Is it in order, Sir, for a Minister to ask a supplementary Question? I have never heard it before in this House.
It is the only chance the poor man has of speaking. They are not on speaking terms.
On a point of order, while it is permissible, under Standing Orders, for any Deputies to ask the Minister a question is it consistent——
Is this a point of order or a point of nuisance?
It is a point of order. I am endeavouring to restore some sense of decency in the Government over which the Taoiseach presides. The Tánaiste has repeatedly laid down that the Government have a joint and corporate responsibility. Is it consistent with that that one Minister should question another across the floor of the House? They ought to pretend to be talking to each other.
That is not a point of order.