asked the Taoiseach to whom he delegated responsibility during each of his absences between the beginning of August, 1969 and the end of April, 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questious. Oral Answers. - Delegation of Responsibility by Taoiseach.
2.
I was not absent from the country during the period in question. In any event, delegation of responsibility by me would not arise as Article 28.6.3º of the Constitution prescribes that the Tánaiste acts for me during any temporary absence.
I did not ask the Taoiseach about his absences from the country. I asked him about his absences from the seat of Government. Is he not aware of the statement by the former Minister for Finance on oath in the trial that:" I was always in close touch with the Taoiseach and if he were to go away for holidays or a week end his secretary would let my secretary know, for when the Taoiseach would be away he would expect me to cope with any emergencies or anything else that might arise in his absence." Could I ask the Taoiseach if that statement given on oath is untrue and, if true, how does he reconcile it with his constitutional responsibilities to delegate authority as set out in Article 28.6.3º of the Constitution?
I do not know what the Deputy is referring to. When emergencies arise in relation to any Department it is not unusual for Ministers to contact me. However, if emergencies arise within the Department and I am not contactable, then the Minister has full power and discretion to act of his own volition in such an emergency. There were occasions when the former Minister for Finance contacted me as to whether I would be available in Dublin at certain weekends, and only on some occasions was he given the information. On other occasions he did not seek that information.
The Taoiseach will appreciate it is not a question of whether somebody sought information if he were going to be away but a question of the statement on oath that the practice was for him to delegate responsibility for his functions as Taoiseach to the Minister for Finance. I read out the quotation.
That is not possible, and I do not think I would have done that as long as it was not possible. There have been one or two occasions when for one reason or another, perhaps an official engagement elsewhere within the country, when I have asked the Minister for Health, the Tánaiste, to deputise for me at a Government meeting, but not otherwise have I asked any other Minister to act in my position, nor in any other instance have I delegated my authority.
The Taoiseach is then saying this statement on oath is untrue?
It is a separate question.
I have told the Deputy exactly what the position is.
No comment from another part of the House either.