asked the Taoiseach whether further consideration has been given to the question of bringing State and semi-State bodies under closer control of the Oireachtas; and, if so, when he intends to announce his proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oireachtas Control of State Bodies.
1.
I refer the Deputy to my replies to questions on this subject addressed to me in this House on the 26th July, 1962, and the 29th March, 1960. Nothing has occurred since to alter the views which I expressed on those occasions.
I think the conduct of the Minister for Transport and Power in the manner in which he refuses to answer questions put down to him concerning the activities of State bodies——
The Minister answers all questions relating to matters within his responsibility.
I submitted a Parliamentary Question to him and it was returned to me. Is the Taoiseach aware that in that Parliamentary Question, I asked the Minister for Transport and Power for particulars of a fleet of buses CIE were about to purchase? That question was disallowed because the Minister said he had no responsibility in the matter. Yesterday another Deputy asked a question relating to Aer Lingus in regard to the purchase of planes. Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister for Transport and Power answered that question? Is he aware that the Minister has stated in this House——
The Deputy is going far beyond——
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister said yesterday that he was responsible to the House for these bodies?
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister is superfluous?
I would not like to list the Deputies in this House who are superfluous.
Deputies in the Opposition.
That has long been the ambition of the present Government, but it will not be realised.
He has a well trained dog act behind him. They laugh when they are asked to laugh.
We have a sense of humour.