Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Dec 1966

Vol. 226 No. 2

Supplementary Estimate, 1966-67. - Vote 18—Stationery Office.

Mr. Haughey

I move:

That a sum not exceeding £760,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1967, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Stationery Office; for Printing and Binding, and the provision of Paper, Publications, Office Machinery, and other Office Supplies for Public Services and for sundry Miscellaneous Purposes, including the publication and sale of Reports of Oireachtas Debates, Bills, Acts and other Government Publications.

Mr. Dillon

I should be glad if the Minister for Finance would tell us if there is any immediate prospect of there being made available to us the index of the Dáil Reports. The last comprehensive index of the Dáil Reports covers the period up to 1948. Since then, so far as I know, no comprehensive index has been prepared. This matter has been raised on several occasions. It has been said before that the reason why the index has not been brought up to date is shortage of staff. I should be glad to know from the Minister for Finance if there is any early prospect of such an index becoming available.

Mr. Haughey

I can only say at this stage that this is something to which I should like to give favourable consideration when circumstances are appropriate.

Mr. Dillon

The Minister will appreciate the last index covered a period of ten years. At this stage we are not far short of 20 years and, therefore, it will become necessary to publish two volumes. Would the Minister consider whether it would be possible to have one made available for ten years up to 1958 and that the second one covering the period from 1958 to 1968 should be postponed until 1968? This is a matter for consideration. I would suggest to the Minister if it goes on indefinitely, this valuable record will become virtually impossible of compilation. I know references to such records are not very frequent but they constitute an important part of the institutions of the country. This is the kind of thing which if it is not kept reasonably up to date becomes almost impossible of compilation. I would suggest that the Minister consider one for ten years.

Mr. Haughey

The Deputy realises that my relationship in this matter is purely one of printing. The compilation of the index is a matter for the Dáil and the House. If I get it from the Dáil Office, I should be happy to have it printed.

Mr. Dillon

The Minister will agree that somebody must be responsible.

Mr. Haughey

The compilation of the index is a matter for the Dáil Office here and not for the Stationery Office.

Mr. Dillon

Unfortunately in that regard, there does not seem to be any Estimate on which that matter can be raised. I did not raise it on the Vote for the Houses of the Oireachtas because I did not think that was the appropriate procedure. However, those are the finesses of procedure.

Mr. Haughey

I shall have a dialogue with the Ceann Comhairle.

Vote put and agreed to.