Michael Creed
Question:1 Mr. Creed asked the Taoiseach if he will consider making the Government Press Centre more widely available and accessible to Members of the House in view of the excellent facilities provided there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Press Centre.
The facilities of the Government Press Centre are available only to Government Ministers and Departments through the Government Information Services. I am aware, however, that Leinster House is lacking in adequate press facilities for Members of the Oireachtas and I will ask the Office of Public Works to examine the possibilities of providing these in Leinster House or adjacent to it.
I am glad the Taoiseach acknowledges the lack of adequate press facilities within the House. I am sure he is also aware of the great public interest, particularly on the part of constituents of mine, in the contents and design of the new Government Buildings. I am concerned that we should get value for money in respect of the facilities that have been installed there. Rather than duplicating a facility already provided, it would be more appropriate and would give better value for money if that facility could be made more widely available. There would be a cost factor involved in duplicating a service, the demand for usage of which by Government Ministers would not preclude access by other interested bodies within the House.
It would be most undesirable to have Deputies dependent on Government facilities. It is much better to keep the two separate. The Government as the Executive have one function; the Oireachtas has another. It is much better — in fact, almost essential — to provide separate facilities for this House.
Since the Taoiseach is ruling out access by other Members to the Government Press Centre, within what time span does he envisage the Office of Public Works being in a position to provide similar facilities here? There is an appalling lack of the necessary facilities for briefings with the social partners and other interest groups.
The Office of Public Works move with great alacrity whenever they undertake a task.
Try Ross Castle.
When he is considering the provision of press facilities in the House, will the Taoiseach also consider the appointment of a press and information officer for the Houses of the Oireachtas?
Members are raising extraneous matters.
As the Ceann Comhairle knows, that matter was decided some time ago under the Administration of which the Deputy's party was a part. It was never proceeded with, for some reason or other.
Will the Taoiseach give it a nudge?
Of course. As a matter of fact, the Deputy himself does not need any press bureau. Deputy Mitchell is a one man press bureau.