Departmental Correspondence.

Thursday, 29 April 2004

Questions (83)

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

83 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was asked by the Fianna Fáil Party to supply briefing material for local election candidates; if so his response to same; if material was provided; the form in which it was presented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12382/04]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I have not received any specific request from the Fianna Fáil Party to supply briefing material for local elections candidates nor have I provided specific briefing material to any party for local election candidates. In response to requests and queries, my Department provides material to members of the public, including public representatives of all parties and no parties, on an ongoing basis across the range of policy areas for which my Department has responsibility. Dealing with these requests generally involves provision of material which is already a matter of public record whether through answers to parliamentary questions, press releases, speeches or existing briefing material.