asked the Taoiseach if he will state whether there are any general instructions to Ministers in regard to their receiving personally deputations, which include members of the Dáil on matters of vital concern to their constituencies, and if he will give details of these instructions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deputations to Ministers.
There are no "general instructions to Ministers" on the matter of receiving deputations: by its nature, the matter is obviously one for determination by the Minister concerned, in the light of the circumstances of each particular case.
Is the Taoiseach aware that there is a growing practice amongst the members of his Government not to receive the Deputies representing a constituency? Naturally enough, the Deputies would comprise all Parties, including the Government Party. Does the Taoiseach not think it most unsatisfactory that they should be referred continually by Ministers to civil servants who have no direct responsibility to this House?
I do not know that the Deputy is stating facts. I am inclined to think the contrary. No instructions have been issued. Each particular Minister, when asked to receive a deputation, will naturally have to ask himself a number of questions. He will have to ask himself: Is it worth while; is it something which is quite clearly impossible to agree to? There is also the question of putting people to the expense of coming in such circumstances. There are a lot of considerations of that sort.
Would the Taoiseach not consider it an act of courtesy to public representatives of all Parties that Ministers should at least receive them for the purpose of hearing whatever proposals they may have to make?
That is a different question. The question asks whether there are any general instructions to Ministers.
Every Minister will extend all due courtesy but Ministers cannot spend their whole time receiving deputations.
Does the Taoiseach remember any case before 1958 in which any Minister refused to see all the Deputies from a constituency, without anybody else being included?
I could not answer that just now.
We will give the Taoiseach an opportunity.
Question No. 3.
They have an absolute majority now.