asked the Taoiseach if any directorships or other positions in business or other concerns are held by Government Ministers; and, if so, the nature of all such positions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Directorships.
2.
It has been the practice for many years that no member of the Government should engage in any activities whatsoever that could reasonably be regarded as interfering, or being incompatible, with the full and proper discharge by him of the duties of his office. That is still the position.
Is the Taoiseach certain that all Ministers have complied with this directive? Would any of them have misled the Taoiseach in any way? Would any of them have gone under the name of Mr. Jones or Mr. Smith or some other name?
I think that is a very unworthy suggestion.
Does the Taoiseach think that? It happened in the past.
The Deputy is making statements.
I asked him is he not aware that it happened in the past.
In view of the fact that the answer just given is not an answer to the question asked, can I get a bit more clarity about this? Is the House to take it that no member of the Government has held a directorship since his appointment? The answer given just now was about "activities." It is specifically directorships we want to know about. Can the House be assured that no member of the Government at any time since his appointment as a member of the Government has held a directorship?
That is the position as I understand it.
They may have concealed it from you?
That is a very disturbing reply by the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach said "as I understand it".
I have no reason to doubt that any Minister of this Government is not conforming to the traditional practice in this regard.
Has the Taoiseach asked them and have they replied?
I would not regard it as appropriate that I should ask Ministers a question like that. I accept that they honourably discharge their obligations in this regard.
If it transpired that a member of the Government had not fulfilled the obligation about not holding a directorship while being a Minister, would it be regarded as a matter for requiring his resignation?
This is a completely hypothetical question.
If it transpired that a member of the Government had held or is holding a directorship, would it be regarded as a matter requiring his resignation?
All the members of this Government will comply honourably with the traditional practice of this area.
As far as the Taoiseach knows.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Taoiseach tell us whether he reminded each member of the Government on assuming office that he should relinquish all directorships which he held?
The normal practice was adhered to on this occasion whereby the Secretary to the Government notifies every individual member of the Government as to what is expected from him in this regard. That practice was adhered to on this occasion.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Did the Taoiseach remind them himself?
It would not be appropriate for me personally to undertake that task. The tradition in this matter was adhered to on this occasion.
Does the same rule apply in regard to Ministers of State?