asked the Taoiseach in relation to the two vacancies which exist on the Law Reform Commission, if he will indicate in each case when the Government were informed of these vacancies by the Attorney General; and the reason they were not subsequently filled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Law Reform Commission.
2.
No formal proposals for the filling of the vacancies have been submitted to Government pending an overall review of the work of the commission. The Government were, of course, notified on each occasion when the vacancies occurred.
The Taoiseach did not answer my question. As regards the information I sought, he said that no formal complaint had been made. With the exception of two of the nine reports the Law Reform Commission seem to be operating with only three of their five members. Since the legislation under which they were established specifically states that the commission shall consist of a president and four members, does the Taoiseach agree that the commission are acting in contravention of the law under which they were established? Does he agree that since the commission are making a number of recommendations in the areas of law they are currently examining, the absence of two members can make a significant difference to the recommendations which the commission might make? If the commission are to continue to operate satisfactorily does he not think they should have their full quota of members?
I explained to the Deputy that both vacancies were notified to me by the Attorney General but that no formal proposals for filling the vacancies have been submitted to the Government pending an overall review of the work of the commission.
That is very unsatisfactory. How long will it take for the Government to review the overall performance of the commission? These vacancies have existed for some time. In relation to an article which appeared in The Sunday Tribune last Sunday, will the Taoiseach confirm or deny the report that a complaint has been lodged with the Attorney General to the effect that there seems to be some connection between a member of the staff of the commission and a secret religious organisation? What action does he propose to take if that is true?
That is a separate question.
It is relevant to the operation of the Law Reform Commission.
It may be, but it is not relevant to the question on the Order Paper.
Will the Taoiseach confirm or deny that report?
I am not aware of that report but I will look into the matter.
The Taoiseach is not aware of the report?
No, I try to read all the papers but I sometimes miss items.
Have representations been made to the Taoiseach that there may be a connection between staff in the commission and a secret religious organisation?
I am not aware of this.