asked the Minister for Finance if he will investigate if any heads of Departments in the Civil Service are connected with business concerns and what he proposes to do in the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Servants and Business Concerns.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, there are well-defined rules designed to ensure that civil servants, including heads of Departments, are not permitted to engage in outside occupations which would conflict with the interests of their Departments or be inconsistent with their official duties. I have no reason to believe that these rules are not being complied with by heads of Departments.
If a civil servant is engaged on work of a private nature with a commercial concern, is that not contrary to Civil Service procedure? Is the Minister aware that civil servants are engaged in commercial under-takings while their own Departments require their full-time service?
If the Deputy is aware of civil servants who are acting in contravention of the well-established principle in this matter, I would be glad if he would submit the information to me.
When I asked a similar question I was told by the Minister last week that it was not fair, and that I was trying to pry into the private affairs of individuals. I do not wishto pry into the private affairs of anyone. I believe that all civil servants should give their full time to the work of their Departments, and should not be engaged in any other activities.
I wish that Deputy Norton were as anxious to rebuke the Deputy as he was to rebuke Deputy Corry. The Deputy is after making allegations against a large body of civil servants without producing any evidence whatever to support his allegations.
I would be the last man to abuse anyone, civil servants or others. I repudiate the Minister's statement. Does the Minister think that I did that?
Then you do not understand the question.
The Minister understands well the information that I am trying to get.
I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.