asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a trader (details supplied) was refused supplies of corned beef by a firm (details supplied) until the middle of August on grounds of alleged shortage; and if he will make an investigation and a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Corned Beef Supplies.
82.
I am not aware of any complaints from the trader in question about supplies of corned beef, and I would suggest that, if it is felt that supplies are being unfairly withheld, the matter be referred to the Fair Trade Commission.
Can the Minister indicate how it is that he is not aware of the complaint from the trader about supplies of corned beef when a Deputy of this House has made him so aware in this question? The name and address and details were supplied of the firm and the trader.
This is the point. I was not aware of it.
Surely, having received the question in his Department, the Minister was then so aware and should deal with it as such and answer it. Surely it is a gross reflection on the Deputy involved who gave the information. I presume correct information was given to him by the trader. Is this House to become a rubber stamp or can it function as a Parliament?
A nullity. A nothing.
It arises directly from the question.
This assumes that one becomes specifically aware of a complaint when it is submitted in this way.
The Minister does.
Surely one does. Surely the rules which govern Deputies on putting down questions, such as the time that must be given to a Minister for a reply, indicate this. The Minister had that question specifying the trader and the supplier four days ago and was then so aware.
I am indicating that the appropriate action that should be taken by the trader who is claiming that he has been refused supply is to take up the matter with the Fair Trade Commission.
That is an example of sending the fool further. The Minister will not do it himself although it is his public duty to do it. The individual is to be sent further and sent on a roundabout.
Is a citizen of this country not in a position now to make a complaint to a Teachta Dála and have it raised in this House?
He is.
Then the Minister has not given him the service he should as Minister.
Arising from the consideration I have given to the responsible complaint by the Deputy, I am not satisfied that it is a matter which is appropriate to me, and I am suggesting that the Deputy should indicate to his constituent that he should take up the matter with the Fair Trade Commission.
That is the answer the Minister should have given in the first place and we should all have been happy.
The Deputy got it.
I had to beat it out of the Minister.