Standing Order 71 says: " Authorised representatives of the Press may be present at sittings of the Dáil, or of a Committee of the whole Dáil, but no persons other than Deputies shall, except by leave of a Select or Special Committee, be present during any of the proceedings of such Select or Special Committee." Application has been received from members of the Press and certain representatives of Dental Associations for permission to attend the sittings of this Committee. I should like to know the opinion of Deputies as to whether or not members of the Press and representatives of Dental Associations should be permitted to attend?
ADMISSION TO PROCEEDINGS.
I think they should not.
I should urge very definitely that the Press be not admitted at the present time. I do not know what form the deliberations are going to take this morning. I have here a list of applicants who were considered by a Committee established in connection with my own Department for the purpose of assisting me on this question. I think it would be inadvisable to have the Press present while discussing the cases of the individuals who are referred to in the report of this Committee. I have not the same objection to representatives of the Dental Associations, because they presumably know the men and would keep what was said here secret. They will appreciate the harm that might be done to a man professionally if the views expressed here as to his qualifications were discussed outside. It would be undesirable to have individual cases discussed in the presence of the Press.
If you exclude the Press, I do not think you should admit anybody else, because members of the Press will approach those people for particulars as to what took place.
Deputy BRADY
Would representatives of the Dental Associations not be in a position to assist the Committee?
We have, at present, no power to take evidence. If we desire to take evidence, we would have to go back to the Dáil and obtain the necessary powers. Representatives of these Associations could only sit and listen.
Deputy DOYLE
It would not be any advantage then to admit them?
We could take a motion to report back and obtain power to take evidence if any Deputy thought that that would be of material assistance to us. Otherwise, the gentlemen who seek admission would have to be content with looking on.
If we require documentary evidence from representatives of the Incorporated Dental Associations, can we not receive it?
I understand that the Minister has got documentary evidence.
MINISTER
But that may not be sufficient. We could get additional documentary evidence later if necessary.
Ordered: That visitors and Press representatives be not admitted to the proceedings of the Committee for the present.