Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1963

Vol. 205 No. 1

National Loan, 1963. - Irish Estates Limited — Motion.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. J. Lynch)

I move:

That the Minister for Industry and Commerce lay the document entitled Enquiry into Irish Estates Limited — Inspectors' Report on the Table; and that it be printed and published.

I should like to say in connection with this that the report of the inspectors was made consequent on Section 109 of the existing Companies Act and in so far as it referred to the subsidiary of a company in which the Minister for Finance holds shares. I am making it available to the Oireachtas in this fashion. This action is not to be taken as a precedent in the case of other public companies which would be investigated in a like manner.

Mr. Sweetman

The new Companies Act will deal with that situation when it comes along.

Mr. McQuillan

Do we take it that the report in question will be open for discussion in the House?

Mr. J. Lynch

The report is to be laid on the Table of the House.

Dr. Browne

Is there any mechanism whereby it can be discussed if after reading it, we feel that it should be discussed?

Mr. J. Lynch

I am not in a position to decide that; it is not a matter for me.

Mr. Norton

When will we have this report?

Mr. J. Lynch

It is fairly extensive. I am now seeking to have it printed and published. I cannot say how long it will take.

Mr. Norton

It will be related in the newspapers in the meantime.

Mr. Cosgrave

Has the Minister any advance copies which he could put in the Library?

Mr. J. Lynch

It will not be put in the newspapers beforehand.

Mr. Norton

I do not object to its appearing in the newspapers. I should like to know whether we will read it in the newspapers or whether I will have an official copy.

Mr. Dillon

Perhaps the Minister would consider whether in the special circumstances it might be desirable to lay a stencilled copy, or something of the kind, in the Library, on the understanding that the printed copy will be available generally, when ready. Sometimes it takes a long time to get official printing done. Perhaps the Minister for Industry and Commerce would consider that. I think the House would wish to have a stencilled copy available in the Library, and available for public perusal.

Mr. J. Lynch

I shall consider that suggestion.

Question put and agreed to.