Jim Higgins
Question:1 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach if there are any proposals to change the rules governing Cabinet confidentiality; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cabinet Confidentiality.
As I indicated to the House on 10 February last, I do not intend any legislative or constitutional action to change the rules governing Cabinet confidentiality.
I am aware that the Taoiseach replied to a similar question on 10 February last, in the early days of the new partnership Government. However, in view of the fact that the Tánaiste said the previous Government behaved disgracefully in appealing the High Court decision——
Deputy Higgins is injecting a great deal of new matter, some of which does not relate to this House.
In view of the fact that the Tánaiste said that it was a deliberate manoeuvre aimed at protecting the Taoiseach, has the matter been discussed at Cabinet level in any respect since the Government took office?
While the Deputy tabled a general question, he is now raising a specific matter in regard to which he should table a separate question.
The Deputy's question relates to confidentiality in regard to discussions at Government level. I have answered that question. Deputy Higgins has now asked me if a particular matter was discussed at Cabinet knowing well that I am not in a position to disclose any discussions which take place at Cabinet. That matter was decided by the Supreme Court.
Will the Taoiseach accept that corrupt regimes operate in certain countries where unseemly behaviour takes place? For example, there have been examples of fraud at the highest level in other countries.
This is Question Time and the Deputy is making strange statements.
Does the Taoiseach accept that in such extreme circumstances there must be occasions when it should be possible to lift the iron curtain of secrecy in order to establish the facts in the national interest?
The Deputy should be aware that the Supreme Court decision confirms exactly our system of Government, that it is based on the theory of separation of powers and the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility. The Supreme Court made a clear judgment in that regard. Is Deputy Higgins suggesting that the Government should ignore decisions of the Supreme Court, the ultimate authority on the interpretation of our Constitution? Any remarks about corruption in Cabinet is a blow against democracy here. This country has been extremely well served both by civil servants and politicians since the foundation of the State and it ill-becomes anybody to cast any aspersions or reflect badly on them.
Surely the fact that the five Cabinet Ministers who attended a Cabinet meeting on 8 June 1988 discussed details of that meeting with the media and that the ESRI and Aer Lingus reports and the AST research project have been leaked from Cabinet makes a total mockery of Cabinet confidentiality?
Who said those reports were leaked from Cabinet?
Deputy Higgins is aware that reports of many discussions that take place within his party are leaked and party members have no control over those leaks. I would remind the Deputy that the Aer Lingus report has not yet come to Cabinet.