(Cavan) asked the Minister for Justice if officials of his Department are not permitted to answer queries from members of the Oireachtas; if all such queries must be channelled through his office; and if so, if he will take steps to have this situation remedied so as to bring it into line with other Departments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oireachtas Members' Queries.
21.
As I stated in the Dáil at the conclusion of the debate on my Estimates on 11th December, I was not so aware. Instructions, confirming earlier practice, were issued some years ago to the effect that such calls should be channelled through the Private Secretary's office. These instructions have become a dead letter over the years, but were not formally revoked, with the result that the officer to whom the Deputy spoke operated on the basis that they were still in force.
(Cavan): Would the Minister arrange with his colleague to have a direction given to the officials in his Department to ensure that the regulations he speaks of will be cancelled so that they will no longer be in operation.
Fresh instructions are about to be issued.