asked the Taoiseach if he has seen reports in the press to the effect that on his direction no member of the Government could be a member of Opus Dei or the Knights of St. Columbanus: and if he will state if this is so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Membership of Organisations.
4.
I made no reference to these organisations in my discussions with Ministers prior to their appointment. I did, however, inform them that in my view membership of Government is incompatible with membership of any organisation, participation in which is by policy not a matter of public knowledge.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Knights of St. Columbanus are not a secret organisation? In that context, does he consider it proper to be a member of the Bilderberg or the International Trilateral Commission which can be described as international secret organisations?
I made it clear that I indicated to the Government that membership of an organisation, participation of which is by policy not a matter of public knowledge should be of concern to any Government. The public are entitled to know if a member of a government is a member of an organisation which by policy keep their membership secret. Certainly, members of the Government should not be members of such organisations. That, of course, is not true of either the Trilateral or Bilderberg Commission, both of whom publish their reports and membership every year. As to whether it is true of other organisations, I would have no direct knowledge as I have no involvement with them and never have had. Perhaps, other Deputies can do likewise.
May I take it from the Taoiseach's reply that he was not by any means referring to the two organisations mentioned in the question? If that is so, I fully accept his reply?
I do not know. I am not a member of either organisation and I never have been. I do not know what their rules are. My concern, quite simply, is to ensure that the business of Government is carried on in a manner that would command the confidence of the public. For that purpose, it is important that no member of the Government should be a member of an organisation, membership of which is by policy kept secret or not allowed to be public knowledge. That would be against the public interest. After that, it is a matter for people to decide whether in relation to any organisation it falls into that category. I cannot know. I do not know anything more about them.