Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 1952

Vol. 132 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quotation from Dáil Debates.

Mr. Burke

As a matter of personal explanation, I want to read an extract from the Dáil Reports. Yesterday evening Deputy McGilligan asked me either to quote a statement that I made across the House or to withdraw it. I am just quoting from the Dáil Reports, Volume 9. Deputy McGilligan, speaking in the Dáil, said, at column 563:

"...I can only answer that it is no function of the Government to provide work for anybody."

And at column 562:

"There are certain limited funds at our disposal. People may have to die in this country and may have to die through starvation."

Mr. Sweetman

Arising out of that explanation, will the Deputy read the remainder of Deputy McGilligan's statement afterwards? Deputy McGilligan most specifically stated that, because he was not going to see that happen, funds were going to be made available. The Deputy has the book in front of him and if he was honest he would read the whole quotation. If he was honest. Definitely, I looked it up since Deputy Gallagher, in ignorance, I think, quoted it on another occasion.

An Ceann Comhairle

The matter is now closed.

General Mulcahy

On a point of order. When you suggest that the matter is now closed, I take it that you do not rule out an opportunity being given to have the full extract read later during the day?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy asked me for permission to substantiate a statement he made here yesterday afternoon and which was challenged by Deputy McGilligan. I told him I would allow him to read the extract which he wished to read with no comment. That is all I allowed him to do.

Mr. Sweetman

Why does not he read it all?

General Mulcahy

May we be allowed later on during the day, when we get the volume, to read the extract that Deputy McGilligan would have wished to read if he were here?

Mr. Smith

He can read it in Waterford.

An Ceann Comhairle

That can be allowed. The matter will be raised again.

General Mulcahy

The matter as now raised is a complete misrepresentation of a statement made in the year, what?

Mr. Burke

1924.

Mr. Blaney

1924 and you have not changed a bit since.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will allow Deputy Mulcahy, or any Deputy he may delegate, to read the full extract.

General Mulcahy

If Deputy Burke would be honest and read the thing now, it could finish the incident.

Mr. Palmer

We cannot be sure that he will read the right thing now.

Minister for External Affairs (Mr. Aiken)

Are you denying it?

Mr. Sweetman

As long as Deputy Blaney does not interfere——

Mr. Burke

I only made a short quotation yesterday. The Minister contradicted me and asked me to withdraw.

Mr. Sweetman

I am glad Deputy Burke realises that coming events cast their shadow when he calls Deputy McGilligan "the Minister".

Mr. Burke

Deputy McGilligan is here in print in column 562, Volume 9:—

"There are certain limited funds at our disposal...."

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Deputy proceeding to quote?

Mr. Burke

No, I am only reading, Sir.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Deputy going to read the relevant portion of the quotation, relevant to what was discussed yesterday?

Mr. Burke

That is true. That is all, Sir.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Deputy going to read more?

Mr. Burke

I am only reading that again. I thought they did not hear.

An Ceann Comhairle

That closes the incident for the present.