asked the Taoiseach if he will ensure that members of the Government will refrain from making statements at social functions on matters which should properly be discussed or announced in the Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statements by Members of the Government.
10.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question in this House on 17th July, 1973.
Can I ask the Taoiseach whether he considers that matters of importance being announced at social functions in advance of their being announced or discussed in the Dáil is something that is not to be recommended, and would he have regard to the request I make in the question that important pronouncements should not be made by Ministers at social functions?
When the Dáil is in session they are generally made in the House; if it is not, they have to be made somewhere else.
Naturally, I understand that is the case when the House is in recess, but when the House is available to Ministers of the Government, would he agree that matters of importance should first be announced here and not announced at social gatherings outside?
Did the Deputy practise what he is now preaching?
Yes.
(Interruptions.)