asked the Taoiseach whether he has seen the statement made by the Minister for Supplies to the effect that the public has never been told how often a major catastrophe was avoided by only a hair's breadth during the past three years, and that they could not be told the full story even now because to do so would not be in the national interest; whether he will state the sources of the threatened catastrophe, and indicate why no Party in the Dáil was informed of the dangers, and on what grounds the information as to the threatened catastrophe was withheld from the Dáil and the people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statement by Minister for Supplies.
I have seen the statement, and I will not believe that the Deputy or any Deputy here really expects me, in circumstances like the present, to enter into the details suggested by the Deputy's question. The fact is, as I have pointed out time and time again for the past three and a half years, that, with the world at war all round us, we in this country have been, and, while the war lasts, will continue to be, in a position of constant danger, which demands that we never cease to be on the alert.
Will the Taoiseach say why it is that a Minister can make an unfounded statement of this kind without fear of censorship, while representative Deputies, when replying to such statements, will have their observations censored?
I do not know what the Deputy means. Surely the Deputy does not suggest that there has not been danger?
Why is it the censorship is not used in one case and is used in the other?
There is a Minister to answer questions with regard to the censorship.