asked the Taoiseach if he will arrange that all important policy statements by members of the Government are made in future in Dáil Éireann and not at functions outside the House so that Members may have first hand information and be in a position to query such statements where necessary.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Statements by Ministers.
11.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on the 16th April last.
Might I inquire from the Taoiseach if it is not considered most unsatisfactory that Ministers should avail themselves of the opportunity of making prominent statements of national policy at political party functions, dinners and dances? Does the Taoiseach consider it advisable that such a practice should be followed? If Parliament is to be recognised as the supreme authority, Parliament is the place where these important policy announcements should be made. Does the Taoiseach propose to take any action in this matter so that such important policy announcements will be made in Parliament where they may be questioned, if necessary?
When Deputy O.J. Flanagan had Ministerial office he resorted to this procedure on very many occasions, as did his senior colleagues in office. I do not propose to change the situation. Any important announcements made by a Minister in the course of attending a function such as the Deputy mentions can be debated at length in the House. There are times when it is not opportune to come before the House and it is more opportune to make statements at these functions. I do not propose to change the situation.
The Taoiseach believes in downgrading Parliament.
We got very good example from the Deputy's colleagues when they were in office.