Before I mention the Order of Business, I should like to say something. Because of the conflict of evidence available to the Minister for Justice and to the Radio Telefís Éireann Authority on the authenticity of the content of the "Seven Days" programme on illegal moneylending and on the question whether people who took part in the portrayal of this social evil were genuine or were merely acting a part, the Government have decided that a judicial inquiry ought to be set up.
Statement by Taoiseach.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
We propose as soon as possible to introduce the necessary Resolution for that purpose in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
On behalf of my Party, I welcome the decision of the Taoiseach to take steps to establish this judicial tribunal. In case it might be overlooked—because this is the most important thing that has emerged in the whole discussion—I would ask the Taoiseach if he would set up a similar sort of inquiry into money-lending in Dublin and elsewhere in the country?
That is a different matter. I am not suggesting that the social evil does not exist. It is a question of coming to terms with it and eradicating it. I do not think a judicial inquiry would——
I think the Taoiseach will agree that the kernel of the affair —money-lending—was lost sight of to some extent in the whole discussion here on that "Seven Days" programme.
I think it was admitted that the evil did exist. It was the scale that was at issue.
There was some doubt about that.
When will the Resolutions be available—remembering, of course, that it was Deputy Cosgrave who first asked for the inquiry?
Can the Taoiseach say if this inquiry will investigate the extent of money-lending in Dublin which, after all, is what the row should be about? This is not a question of an inquiry into the actual production of a television programme but into the question of this social evil in Dublin. Would the Taoiseach assure the House that this will be material ground for the inquiry?
It will come before the House for discussion.
What will be the terms of reference? We should establish that before we welcome the inquiry. Surely we ought to know what they will be?
That will be incorporated in the Resolution. The Government met this morning and we decided to have a judicial inquiry. We knew it would have to come before both Houses in the form of a Resolution under the Tribunals of Enquiry (Evidence) Act, 1921, including the terms of reference. We have not yet worked out or drafted the Resolution.
(Cavan): For goodness sake, do not have the Minister for Justice——
In view of the strong statement by RTE that the contents of the programme were authentic, would the Taoiseach, pending the judicial inquiry—which may be classified as a continued witch-hunt on the part of the Government——
We cannot discuss it at this stage.
They asked for a judicial inquiry and now that they have got it——
On a point of order. The Deputy is trying to discuss what will be heard before the tribunal and he is trying to get in a question which was ruled out of order.
That is not a point of order.
The Deputy will get an opportunity of discussing the matter.
Let Deputy Desmond fight it out with Deputy Corish.
Let Deputy Boland fight it out with his pal who is sitting beside him and who should be in the dock.