asked the Minister for Justice when the survey, carried out some years ago by his Department in conjunction with the Irish National Council on Alcoholism on alcoholism among prisoners, will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Alcoholism Among Prisoners.
52.
The report prepared by the Irish National Council on Alcoholism on the incidence of alcoholism among prisoners consists of three large volumes and a separate document containing recommendations. The report itself states that it is not suitable for publication in its present form. Moreover, the cost of publishing a report of this size would be high. As I said in reply to a question in the House on 15 November last, I am considering whether a summary of the report might be published.
That is some progress. Does the Minister intend publishing even a summary of the recommendations or will he make a single copy available to Deputies in this House as public money was presumably involved in the compilation of this report?
I understand copies of the report are available.
I do not think the Minister is right.
I do not know if they are available to Deputies in this House but——
If they are available they must be available to Deputies but I do not believe the Minister is correct.
They are available to me.
Would the Minister make one available to the House?
I am not in a position to answer that question.
It was not a question.
There is a summary of the report at hand and the question of publishing it is being actively looked at at the moment.
I do not wish to make a meal of this, but last October the Minister said this matter was being investigated. This is simple. Does the Minister accept that public money was involved in the compilation of this report? Does he therefore accept that, in principle, a summary of this report should be available to Members of the Legislature? Why should it take from October to June to agonise about a decision of this nature? A simple "yes" is the answer we are looking for.
The report stated that it was not suitable for publication in its——
I said a summary.
The Deputy said it as a result of a reply given by the Minister for Justice some months ago. The Deputy might not recall it but obviously what he was told stuck in his mind.
I listened to the Minister very carefully.
The Deputy should not interrupt.
I am sorry.
On that occasion the Deputy was told the cost of publishing the report was very high.
That is why I did not ask for it.
The report is now in summary form and I am sure the Deputy will be anxious to compliment the people who made this summary in a very short time.
Will it be circulated?
Does that mean it will be available to me?
Question No. 53.
May I ask the Minister——
The Deputy will not give the Minister an opportunity to reply.
Do I take it that a summary of the report will be made available?
I told the Deputy at the outset that the report was available to me.
Yes to you, the Minister, but I am afraid——
The question of publishing the report is being seriously considered at present.
I asked for a summary. The Minister is being evasive.
I am not. Far be it from me to be evasive.
Does it come under the Official Secrets Acts?
No, it does not.
Why is there such a big deal?
As shadow Minister for Justice the Deputy should know that.