When I reported progress this afternoon I was referring to a statement made by Deputy Wilson in regard to the printing of the new Irish-English dictionary. Unless his motives were evilly-disposed and ill-conceived, with the deliberate intention of conveying to the public that taxpayers' money was involved in this transaction, I can see no reason why Deputy Wilson should act in such a mischievous manner. I want to say for the record that this transaction was undertaken by a private company. That private company were responsible and no State money was involved. One would imagine that a Deputy with the life experience of Deputy Wilson would have been more cautious. His membership of this House is not very long or very great.
Financial Resolutions, 1976. - Financial Resolution No. 11: General (Resumed).
Debate resumed on the following motion :
That it is expedient to amend the law relating to customs and inland revenue (including excise) and to make further provision in connection with finance.
—(The Taoiseach.)
Like the Government's Chief Whip.
For one who would be expected to act in a responsible manner to make that statement this morning in a mischievous manner, evilly-disposed and ill-conceived for the purpose of directing attention——
On a point of order, is the Parliamentary Secretary absolutely certain the statement was made this morning? When he was speaking earlier he was not.
That is not a point of order. The Deputy ought not to intrude. He will appreciate that the Parliamentary Secretary has only a few minutes.
Because the Parliamentary Secretary is making such a contribution and because of the attitude of the Chair I feel we should have a quorum.
The Deputy may not intrude in this manner. What does he mean by the attitude of the Chair?
I do not mean anything by it.
Notice taken that 20 Members were not present; House counted and 20 Members being present,
I was denying completely and entirely the ill-conceived and mischievous statement by Deputy Wilson in which he tried to convey the impression that taxpayers' money was used in the printing of the Irish-English dictionary in Hong Kong. Not one penny piece of taxpayers' money was used in that transaction.
Like the Irish Life furniture.
Deputy Burke seems to be convinced there is something in the allegation made by Deputy Wilson. He seems to have fallen for Deputy Wilson's ill-conceived and mischievous statement. No State money was involved in that transaction. It is well to remind Deputy Burke and Deputy Wilson that 97 per cent of Irish Government purchased goods are of Irish origin.
Is there anything about semi-State bodies in that?
Will the Parliamentary Secretary move the Adjournment of the debate?
I will and I hope the Chair will be generous in allocating time to me to make up for the time taken by Deputy Burke.
I hope I did not put the Parliamentary Secretary off.
Debate adjourned.