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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 Dec 1952

Vol. 135 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Survey of Ireland Report.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware (a) that copies of the report on the economic survey of Ireland by four United States experts were inadequately distributed to the Press; (b) that only a limited section of the newspapers was supplied with copies of the report notwithstanding the international implications of the report and possible repercussions from countries with whom the Republic trades, and (c) that Press representatives who made requests to the Government Information Bureau for a copy of the report were met with a refusal; and, if so, if he will take steps to ensure that distribution by the Government of reports and documents of public importance will not, in future, be confined to any particular section of the Press but will be issued without similar discrimination.

The number of copies of the report received from the United States was sufficient only for limited circulation. The Stationery Office has arranged for the printing of the report here and I hope it will be on sale later this month.

It might be inferred from the Deputy's question that the Government Information Bureau refused to give copies to certain Press representatives. It was not a case of refusal to supply; there were no further copies then available.

Would it not have been possible to have at least a summary of the report made available to the particular section of the Press who were, in fact, refused such a summary or copy of the report; or in any event does the Minister not consider it should have been possible to provide that section of the Press, who are very representative in this country of outside Press interests, with at least one copy which could have been returned later?

There were no further copies available.

Surely one copy could have been provided?

There was not one further copy available.

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