Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Feb 1947

Vol. 104 No. 11

Private Notice Question— - Supplies of Tractor Vaporising Oil

Mr. Hughes

I have given notice of my intention to ask the following question as a Private Notice Question:

To ask the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that supplies of fuel oil for tractors has in recent weeks been negligible and that permits for tractor vaporising oil supplies have accumulated at supply depôts where no supplies are at present available, and in view of the paramount importance in this abnormally late season of having ample fuel supplies with farmers in time for favourable weather conditions he will state what steps he proposes to take to ensure that all tractors can operate a full 100 per cent. when weather permits.

Mr. Lemass

I could not answer the question without adequate notice.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the seriousness of this whole matter, I propose to raise it on the Adjournment.

Mr. Lemass

I suggest that the Deputy would serve a far more useful purpose if he gave specific instances of the matters of which he complains to my Department and allowed them to be investigated. These things cannot be settled by making political propaganda.

Mr. Hughes

The Minister will hear my complaint to-night.

Mr. Flanagan

With regard to Question No. 1 on the Order Paper, in view of the notice given by Deputy Hughes, would the Ceann Comhairle consider giving me permission to raise the subject matter of this question on the adjournment of the House to-morrow?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Minister states that he has no jurisdiction and questions may not be asked of a Minister except on matters in respect of which he has jurisdiction.

Mr. Flanagan

Surely the Minister has jurisdiction over the members of his own Party?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Minister has no jurisdiction over what that Deputy or any other Deputy says outside.

Mr. Flanagan

He knows that Deputy Briscoe made these representations.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is the ruling and that is the law. The Minister can be asked questions only on matters in respect of which he has jurisdiction.

Mr. Flanagan

The Taoiseach may smile, but——

The Taoiseach

If somebody has made a hare of the Deputy, I am not going to sit here and see him perform.

Mr. Flanagan

Deputy Briscoe has made a hare of the Taoiseach. Let the Taoiseach inquire at Washington.