asked the Minister for Finance whether the Committee to inquire into the Ordnance Survey, the appointment of which he announced on July 25th, 1924, and referred to again on November 5th, has yet held any meetings, and, if so, how many; whether representatives of the various branches of the staff of the Department have been invited to give evidence or have yet done so; and if he can state when the inquiry is expected to be completed.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ORDNANCE SURVEY INQUIRY.
TOMAS MacEOIN
Owing to unforeseen difficulties in bringing all the members together at one time, the Committee have not yet held a meeting. The procedure to be followed in obtaining the evidence, if required, has not, therefore, been settled, but any evidence the staff can usefully give on the subject of the inquiry will, no doubt, be taken. It is not possible at this stage to state when the inquiry will be completed, but arrangements now being made will, I hope, enable the work to be proceeded with without further delay.
Has the Minister's attention been called to the statement of the President, made when this matter was first mooted, that it was obviously a matter of urgency, and that the Committee should set to work and bring in its report without delay? That was in July of last year.
The Chairman, or one member of the Committee, Deputy Nicholls, who was appointed, found himself unable to act. He is now resigning, and I hope he will be able to substitute a chairman who will proceed with the work at once.
In view of the probability of reorganisation, will the Minister reconsider the terms of reference of this Committee, so that it will be able to inquire into larger questions than it can under its present rather narrow terms of reference? The question raised by ex-Deputy McGarry and Deputy Hogan was of rather more importance and greater consequence than the question raised by the terms of reference.
I have not given any consideration to that.
Will the Minister do so immediately, so that there will be no unnecessary delay?
I will.