asked the Minister for the Public Service if it is official departmental policy not to allow departmental participation, by way of information stands, at career guidance exhibitions organised by political parties; and, in view of the service being provided to young people, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Career Guidance Exhibitions.
30.
I assume that the question arises from the decision of the Civil Service Commissioners not to take part in a careers guidance exhibition organised by the Castlebar Branch of Young Fine Gael. The commission find it possible to take part in only a limited number of career exhibitions each year. I consider it undesirable that their information service, or indeed any of their activities, should be thought to be associated in any way with any political party.
We feel strongly about this. The young people who organised this exhibition went so far to ensure that very comprehensive information stands from both the Department of Labour and the Garda authorities would be provided but very shortly before the exhibition was to open they were notified that the stand was not being attended. In view of the fact that there was no record of any political material, political slogan or political personnel involved in it—it was purely an information service provided by young people for young people—would the Minister not consider it feasible to allow information stands to be included in such an exhibition?
Not at political party functions.
Most insidious.
Is it not a service to young people seeking employment?
The civil service must be seen to be independent of any political influence.
It would not be seen to be political.
What would it be?
A public service.
A Fine Gael youth convention?
Is the Fianna Fáil youth convention a public service?
We did not ask.
Would the Minister not see it in the context of a public service to young people?
The civil service were in fact quite convenient to you at the organisation of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Westport a month prior to your youth convention.
Several years prior to that.
In 1977, only a year ago, on 22 and 23 September.
That was not three weeks before. Would the Civil Service Commissioners refuse a request, say, from a Fianna Fáil youth group for such an exhibition?
The Deputy can be sure they would.
Does the Minister consider that is wrong?
Absolutely no.
An inordinate amount of time is being taken for supplementaries. Question No. 31.