asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state in regard to the Irish News Agency (a) what liabilities or contractual commitments now remain, and their estimated amount and duration; and (b) when it is expected that the winding up of the agency will be completed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish News Agency.
The Board of the Irish News Agency are proceeding with all possible speed with the arrangements for the winding up of the agency, and when it is finally wound up there will be no continuing commitments.
The Minister has given the same reply as he gave to a somewhat different question last week. I have asked the Minister what liabilities or contractual commitments now remain in connection with the news agency and I have asked him when it is expected that the winding up of the agency will be completed. Will the Minister answer either or both parts of the question that has been put to him?
I have answered both.
The Minister has answered neither.
I have answered all parts of the question.
In view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply I would ask your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I want to point out that this news agency is in the course of being wound up by the board——
The Minister would save a lot of trouble if he answered the question in the first instance.
——and I do not propose to interfere with them in their work.
What about the contract the Minister signed in his dual capacity?
I signed no contract. If the members of the Opposition want to try to increase the charge on the Irish taxpayers, they can do it.
The Minister signed it as acting Minister for Finance and as Minister for External Affairs.
I did not.
The Minister did.
No.