Might I avail of this interlude and the presence of the Parliamentary Secretary to raise with the Parliamentary Secretary a matter concerning the business of the House? I wish to ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that the Central Bank have today issued a statement of policy which is of fundamental and farreaching economic and social implications? Deputies have not received copies of this statement or, indeed, any intimation of its contents. Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that that should be so? Have the Government been apprised of the contents of this policy statement? Do they approve of it as a policy of the Central Bank? Can the Parliamentary Secretary afford the House any mechanism whereby it can take note of the contents of this statement?
Committee on Finance. - Business of Dáil.
I was not, in fact, aware, until the Opposition Whip told me in courtesy a few minutes ago that Deputy Haughey proposed to raise this matter, that the report to which the Deputy refers had been published. I am not in a position to explain why, if that is the case, copies of the report have not been circulated. I do not think in that condition of ignorance that I ought to make any statement about it or offer any explanation. The Deputy will recall when this kind of matter was raised by the Leader of his party two or three weeks ago the arrangement was that the Whips on each side would consult as to how what is evidently an unsatisfactory arrangement in regard to the circulation of documents of this kind could be improved. Deputy Lalor and I are due to have these discussions as soon as possible. That is all I can tell the Deputy.
I want to ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether he is satisfied with the situation whereby Deputies are compelled to get any information about a fundamentally important matter of this sort from the public Press? Can he tell me whether the Government were aware that the Central Bank were coming out with this fundamentally important document? Had it Government approval? Is there any way in which this House can take note of the statement and its implications?
There is nothing I can usefully say in reply to that. I do not know what the situation was in regard to the Government's position, either in respect of the publication of this report or its contents. At this stage it would not be my place to comment or give the Deputy any further information.
I am grateful for being allowed to raise this matter. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply to my important questions I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening.
I will communicate with Deputy Haughey on the matter.