asked the President whether his attention has been called to a private and confidential printed circular purporting to be signed by Patrick McGilligan, in his official capacity as "Minister for Industry and Commerce and External Affairs," appealing for financial assistance "on behalf of the Government Party"; whether the circular was issued in this manner with the sanction of the Minister, and, if so, whether it is customary for Ministers to use their Ministerial office as a means of replenishing party funds, or, if the appeal was not issued with the official sanction of the Minister, what steps are to be taken to remove the false impression that the appeal was issued in the normal course of Ministerial duties.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ISSUE OF A CIRCULAR.
I have seen a copy of the circular referred to. It is issued from the official headquarters of the Cumann na nGaedheal organisation, and it is abundantly clear from its terms that it was issued by and on behalf of that organisation, and was signed by Mr. McGilligan in his capacity as a member of the Executive Committee of that organisation. I cannot conceive how anybody who received and read the circular could be under the misapprehension that it was issued in the ordinary course of Ministerial duties, or that the description of Mr. McGilligan as Minister for Industry and Commerce and for External Affairs could serve any purpose other than that of identification.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Is the President aware that the circular is actually signed "Patrick McGilligan, Minister for Industry and Commerce and for External Affairs?"
Yes.
Mr. O'CONNELL
Was that put in only for the purpose of identifying Patrick McGilligan as a Minister rather than as an officer of Cumann na nGaedheal?
Identification pure and simple.
Mr. O'CONNELL
And is that the reason the appeal was made on behalf of the Government Party? Would the President say which is the Government Party in this country?
It is the Party that stands for order, stability and security.
Mr. O'CONNELL
It is no matter to joke about. It is very serious.
I desire to ask the President if it is not quite clear to those who have not yet subscribed to the funds of the Cumann na nGaedheal Party that Mr. McGilligan will not refuse their subscriptions if tendered to him?
Mr. O'CONNELL
Will the Minister for Industry and Commerce refuse them?