andMr. L. Belton asked the Taoiseach whether the setting up of a Ministry of Planning and Development is still under consideration; and when a final decision on the matter may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministry of Planning and Development.
1.
As I mentioned previously, the proposal to group building and construction functions in a single Department runs counter to the recommendation of the Public Services Organisation Review Group that these functions should be assigned to a number of Departments. The merits of each of these views are still under examination and it is not possible to indicate when a final decision may be expected.
I will announce a decision on the matter as soon as practicable.
Is the Taoiseach aware that over 2½ years ago he stated in this House that he would shortly be creating this position, that it was his intention to appoint Deputy Blaney to it? Is he further aware that before he appointed his Cabinet he asked Deputy Blaney to move out of Agriculture so that he could sack Mr. Boland and that he asked Mr. Boland if he would move out of his position so that he could get rid of Deputy Blaney? Is that not quite true?
I cannot follow the Deputy's ministerial chequer board but I did contemplate setting up such a Department. Then came the Devlin Report which ran counter to my views——
And the crisis of 1970.
——and I awaited the examination of both views and particularly the initial step of setting up the new Department.
Did the crisis of 1970 and the fact that the Taoiseach had to get rid of Deputy Blaney have anything to do with the fact that the Taoiseach did not honour his promise of 2½ years ago to appoint Deputy Blaney to this post?
This is not in order. Would the Deputy please resume his seat?
The Taoiseach misled this House by telling us 2½ years ago that he was appointing Deputy Blaney to this position. He still has not appointed him and we are entitled to know——
The Deputy is entitled to know nothing of the kind. Will the Deputy please sit down? This was a nice quiet day until——
Yes, but I was not here until now.