asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will continue the meetings initiated by the former Minister of State at his Department with semi-State bodies and other organisations to extend the anti-poverty drive beyond the confines of a single agency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Anti-Poverty Drive.
18.
(Mayo West): This is a matter I will deal with as the situation demands and the Deputy can rest assured that I will do everything that I consider desirable and appropriate in this respect.
It is, I think, relevant to draw attention to the announcement made by the Taoiseach on 26 March that a comprehensive economic and social plan will be prepared in consultation with employers, trade unions, farmers and the National Economic and Social Council and with the assistance of economic and social research bodies.
Would the Minister give some indication as to the initiatives he considers desirable towards the elimination of poverty? Poverty is widespread and the need for action is immediate. Would he indicate why he is hesitant about continuing these meetings when the organisations involved — the IDA, BIM, the CII, RTE, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment — were enthusiastic and felt——
That is a statement, not a question.
In the light of the fact that these organisations are aware of the benefits of these meetings and are willing to continue them, why is the Minister hesitant about giving his full commitment?
(Mayo West): The Deputy has asked a number of questions and I will reply briefly by saying that £2 million has been made available to finance the agency and everything possible will be done to get matters under way this year.
The Minister has referred to the sum of £2 million. Would he not agree that the amount of public money being spent by way of local grants through the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment is greatly in excess of £2 million? Would the Minister not agree that everything possible should be done to ensure that the money is spent where it is most needed? Would that not be the most economic use of national funds? Would the Minister not agree that in general this money is finding its way to the better-heeled sections?
That is a statement. It is argumentative. The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.
In view of the fact that there are 1,000 questions on the Order Paper, is there any possibility that you might refer the whole matter of questions to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?
I have already indicated that.
The fact that one Deputy has put down 103 questions to the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs indicates that the system of asking questions has fallen down.
The system of getting answers from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs has fallen down.
(Limerick East): I put down a question to the Minister for Education which was for written reply and I received that reply last week.
You cannot discuss that now.
(Limerick East): I am looking for your advice on this matter. I subsequently found that the information given in that reply was not correct. What is my recourse when I get incorrect information in a written reply?
I am not responsible for the replies of Ministers.
(Limerick East): Am I not entitled to accurate information?
The content of questions is not a matter for the Chair and this matter cannot be raised now.
(Limerick East): What recourse have I?
I sought to raise a matter by way of a Private Notice Question but find that it has been disallowed. This is a very serious matter. The law has been administered in a selective manner not in accordance with the principles of natural justice. I would ask why this question was not allowed.
I do not have to explain the reasons now. I had to refuse no fewer than four Private Notice Questions under the existing rules. There are many problems about this and I feel it is a matter which should be dealt with by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in order to allow more such questions to be asked.
You are the person who has discretion in this matter.
No, I am bound by the rules. It is not my fault that the questions were refused. This is one of the most serious matters which will have to be dealt with by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and I have written to both sides asking them to nominate members of the committee so that we can get down to the business of enabling more work to be undertaken in the House and greater latitude on the Order of Business and in relation to Private Notice Questions. Perhaps the rules are too restrictive at present.
I give notice that I wish to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
I wish to refer to the point raised by Deputy Noonan. If a written reply contains incorrect information, should not this matter be referred by you to the Taoiseach, who should then investigate the matter? If a question——
I will consult with Deputy Noonan on the matter. I have no evidence yet.
Neither have I. If a Deputy is given incorrect information, the Minister responsible should be asked by the Taoiseach to resign.
The Deputy has the means to put down a motion about the matter or could raise it on the Adjournment. I will be glad to discuss it with Deputy Noonan but it cannot be discussed now.
I wish to have written replies to Questions Nos. 490 and 491.