Vol. 257 No. 8
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of Christmas cards and greetings sent by him in 1970; if postage was provided free by his Department and, if so, the cost; and the estimated cost of cards on order this year and if the cards will be sent free of charge.
30.
andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the projected cost to the Exchequer during the financial year 1971-72 of the sending of Christmas cards by him.
31.
andMr. L'Estrange asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total number of hours during which civil servants were engaged in sending Christmas cards from him in 1970 and the projected corresponding number for 1971.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 30 and 31 together.
The cost of Christmas greeting cards sent in 1970 was £261. The cost of all official mail including these cards is borne on the Department's Vote. A record is not kept of the postage on individual items. The cost of the cards this year is estimated at £320. The usual practice in respect of postage will be continued. It is not the practice to estimate the amount of official time spent on individual work items of this kind.
As in previous years practically all these cards will be sent to persons outside Ireland.
From his experience elsewhere, can the Minister state whether it is the practice in other Parliaments, particularly the House of Commons, for Ministers to send Christmas cards to their constituents, as obtains here?
That is a separate question.
Would the Minister give favourable consideration to sending Christmas cards to the 12 prisoners of conscience in whom the Irish section of Amnesty International are interested? Would the Minister not regard it as a friendly gesture to send cards to those prisoners?
I will consider the Deputy's suggestion.
Will it cost more?
It will cost the Minister nothing.
The Minister should send a card to Chairman Mao after voting for him in the United Nations. That is why the Americans are down on us now about Shannon. They are getting their own back.
Does the Minister not consider the suggestion I have made is worthy of consideration?
I have told the Deputy that I will consider his suggestion.
