Alan M. Dukes
Question:1 Mr. Dukes asked the Taoiseach the steps he intends to take to ensure that important announcements on matters of Government policy are made in Dáil Éireann when the House is in session.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy Statements.
I see no reason for altering the long standing practice whereby statements of a policy nature by members of the Government are made on such occasions as are considered to be best suited to the circumstances and the public interest.
Does the Taoiseach consider that the announcement of the important decision in regard to mining on Croagh Patrick was made in the most appropriate circumstances? Was that announcement communicated to the Cabinet before being announced?
I have no intention of disclosing Cabinet secrets——
Just Cabinet rifts.
——but the announcement made by the Minister for Energy was fully in accordance with Government policy.
Did the Taoiseach know about it before he made it?
I certainly did.
I do not know whether to believe the Taoiseach or not.
I think the Deputy has a terrible neck in raising this sort of question when the Government of which he was a Member never announced anything in the Dáil.
Apart from what may have happened in the past for which I think the Taoiseach will agree I do not have any responsibility, is he aware of the increasing concern about the relevance of this House in terms of major announcements, and that this concern is likely to be increased by the possibility of televising the proceedings of the House? Would he remember that there have been at least two important occasions recently when the relevance of the House would have been increased by an announcement in the House on matters of concern to us and to the community at large, for example, the announcement on the setting up of the commission on the redrawing of boundaries, the announcement a few days ago in relation to the banning of coal and a number of others? Would he finally——
The Deputy seems to be embarking upon a long statement.
Would the Taoiseach accept that, irrespective of temporary political advantage, it is in all our interests to have this House the focal point of political activity in this nation?
I do not really need any lectures from the Deputy on that matter.
It is not a lecture, but that is a very poor response.