asked the Minister for Health the studies affecting the fluoride content of food which the Food Advisory Committee recommended should be undertaken; and whether such studies are at present in hand.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fluoride Content of Food.
8.
Mr. Ryan
The terms in which the Deputy has framed his question are plainly calculated to suggest that he has had access to a report which an Advisory Committee have made in relation to the particular matter with which the report is concerned. Unless a report of this kind is published by the Minister to whom it has been addressed, it is a confidential official document. Consequently, even by implication, I do not propose to discuss with the Deputy any document which comes within this category.
Is this one of the kinds of documents about which the Minister for Justice proposes to make a certificate under the Bill at present under consideration?
No, it has nothing to do with it.
Yes, it has.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that the information which led to my question was published by him in reply to a Parliamentary Question some months ago? Any decent person will interpret his despicable attack upon me for asking a Parliamentary Question as typical of the disgraceful manner in which he is executing, or shall I say, neglecting his office.
I have nothing to add to what I have said.
Mr. Ryan
It was a despicable suggestion. I suggest the Minister is afraid to publish it.
No.
Mr. Ryan
Of course, he is afraid.
No.
Mr. Ryan
Funky is the word, the only word the Minister would understand. I shall raise it on the Adjournment sometime.