asked the Minister for the Public Service (a) the cost of all official receptions given by him in the year ended 31st March, 1974, and (b) the cost of all journeys outside the State made by him and officials of his Department since 31st March, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Official Receptions and Travel Costs.
37.
The information sought by the Deputy is not yet available. If he will repeat the question in a fortnight's time I hope to be in a position to furnish the required information.
Arising out of the Minister's non-reply, is this an indication that the Minister's Department are not as efficient as other Departments who were able to give replies?
As Minister for the Public Service I am aware that to reply to Deputy Molloy's questions to individual Ministers more than 420 hours of official time have already been spent at a cost to the Exchequer in excess of £600.
Is the Minister saying I am not entitled to seek this information for the benefit of the public, the taxpayers, the ratepayers and the people in general? Does he want to operate in total secrecy?
I am giving information which I am sure will be of the greatest interest to public.