asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a public meeting was held in Shannonbridge, County Offaly, presided over by the parish priest of Clonmacnois and Shannonbridge, at which a request was made to him to receive the local clergy and Dáil members in order to discuss the closing down by Bord na Móna of Blackwater bog; and if he will state why he refused to meet this deputation, which desired to submit their views to him personally as the member of the Government ultimately responsible to the Dáil for Bord na Móna.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blackwater Bog: Offaly Deputation.
The statement that I refused to receive a deputation is not in accordance with the facts. Following the meeting to which the Deputy refers, I received a request from Deputy Kieran Egan to receive a deputation and, in reply, I explained the position to him and indicated that he could show the letter to those who had approached him. This letter was published in a local newspaper in its issue of 21st December, 1957.
Is the Minister aware that at the meeting were present the Dáil Deputies of South Galway, Laois-Offaly and the Deputies for Roscommon? Might I ask the Minister if it was not directly conveyed to him that the parish priest of Clonmacnois, the parish priest of Shannonbridge, the parish priest of Lusmagh and the parish priest of Banagher, to be accompanied by all the Deputies from the constituency, made a unanimous request that he would receive them and that it was conveyed that he would not receive them?
No.
That is not true.
May I take it, then, from the Minister that the deputation will now be received by him?
I sent a letter through Deputy K. Egan, which was published in a local newspaper, explaining the position to those concerned so that no further request to meet the deputation followed.
I was given to understand——
The Deputy cannot understand.