Before Questions, Sir, I gave you notice this morning officially and then to the House that I was going to raise the question of the cost of the pamphlets issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs during the past 12 months. When I asked Question No. 17 yesterday there was no answer given because the Minister had not got the total since neither himself nor his officials were prepared to add up the figures. They were not prepared to do a bit of work, to dirty their minds with a bit of honest work.
Committee on Finance. - Business of Dáil.
There was no such question on the Order Paper. The Deputy would require to put down a question.
There was a question on the Order Paper. Question No. 17 on yesterday's Order Paper was:
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the name of each pamphlet and leaflet published by his Department in relation to the European Economic Communities in the last 12 months; the quantities of each leaflet or pamphlet printed; the cost of publishing each; and the cost of their distribution.
I gave an answer. I do not know whether the Deputy is aware of it. It is in the papers today.
I asked a simple question: what was the total cost?
No, the Deputy asked me if somebody had done the tot. I looked and they had not. I said I had not got it.
I asked the Minister the total cost and he answered: "Nobody has done the tot." This is not good enough.
It is not in order to discuss the question now. If the Deputy wishes to give notice that he will raise the matter on the Adjournment the Chair will consider the request.
I am obliged to give notice that I want to raise it on the Adjournment. This morning we got a further pamphlet under official postage.
I know you did.
This is not good enough. If the Minister has not seen it we will send it to him.
At one time the Labour Party were not satisfied that I was giving them enough information. They have been complaining for years that they did not get enough information from my Department.
It is the cost we are worried about. You are prepared to spend money ad lib. You are prepared to spend any money you like.
The Deputy cannot discuss this matter now. I am calling Question No. 1.
I will communicate with you about raising it on the Adjournment.
No. I will communicate with the Deputy.
After the referendum. It is late for today.