asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the reported statement made by a person (name supplied) at a meeting in Kanturk, County Cork on 19th July; and whether he will comment on this statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statement at Kanturk (Cork) Meeting.
52.
Mr. O'Malley
I have seen this statement and I assure the Deputy that the allegations made therein are without any basis in fact. To say that the speaker's brother obtained honours in seven subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination, including a 92 per cent honours mark in Irish, is simply not true. The question which is supposed to have been asked by one of the Department's inspectors could not have been asked because he knew nothing whatsoever of the family background of the candidate. The statement attributed to one of the inspectors who carried out the second test is equally without foundation. That a threat was made at the time to call a press conference is something of which my Department has no knowledge.
What is all that about?
I wonder would the Minister tell us what it is all about?
It is about the statement made by Mr. John B. Keane.
(Interruptions.)
I can take it that the statement Mr. Keane made is completely inaccurate, as it appeared in the Cork Examiner?
Take the matter up at public level. The Deputy is covering himself with the protection of the House.
Mr. O'Malley
Am I being pressed on this?
No.
The Deputy is being pressed to say in public what he is trying to get the Minister to say under the absolute privilege of Dáil Éireann.
Mr. O'Malley
I do not think the speaker quoted in the Cork Examiner or anyone would suggest that anything is being said here under privilege. I did not mention the gentleman's name.
No, but the Deputy did.
Mr. O'Malley
Certain statements were attributed to this gentleman in the Cork Examiner of 20th July and I have given information as far as the records of my Department are concerned.
A petty little man taking a mean advantage.