asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is the intention of the Pigs and Bacon Commission to export all bacon products through certain ports; if so, if he will name these ports; whether the contract to export bacon products handled by the Commission was fully advertised; if so, what firm or firms were appointed to carry out this contract; and what were the conditions of appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Bacon Products.
9.
As regards the first part of the question, I indicated in reply to a question by Deputy Clohessy on 25th February that I understand the Pigs and Bacon Commission intend to concentrate bacon exports through not more than two or three ports with a view to facilitating inspection, storage and assembly of consignments for export. Inquiries on administrative matters concerning implementation of this intention should be addressed to the Commission.
Do we take it that the Minister is not prepared to let the public know what ports are being used? The Deputy who asked the question on behalf of the public is referred to the Commission rather than that the information be given through this House.
The Deputy may take it that the Minister will not pry into the administrative affairs of the Commission. That is their day-to-day responsibility. The Commission is set up by me. Surely the House does not expect that a Minister will harass the Commission as to how they give effect to their policy decisions?
Nobody suggested that the Minister should harass the Commission. Is there anything wrong with the Minister's saying to the Commission: "Will you tell me the names of the ports so that I may convey the information to the Deputy?"
I shall tell them nothing of the kind.
The Minister will not?
All the Minister is asked is to ask for the information from the Commission. Does the Minister for Transport and Power not ask for similar information from CIE and give it to this House?
I shall not have my Department used for the purpose of extracting information dealing with the administrative affairs of a semi-State concern.
This is factual information.
It is not. I have stated the policy of the Commission and it is for the Commission to implement it.
The Taoiseach himself has on numerous occasions made it clear that he is prepared to make State and semi-State companies such as this more amenable to this House, if there is a demand for it. Surely there is nothing outrageous about a suggestion that simple information should be made available to the public, through this House? Otherwise, will the Minister tell me how the public can know what ports are concerned in this case or does the Minister suggest that every member of the public interested in this matter must now write to the appropriate body which the Minister has set up rather than be given that information through the elected representatives in this House who are not on this occasion trying to pry into the day to day administration?
There are certain matters on which I can give information, that is, matters in relation to the policy of the Commission. But information in relation to the administrative day to day work of that or any such body I shall not give.
The Minister is not asked that.