Jim Higgins
Ceist:4 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to make any further staff appointments to his office; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ministerial Appointments.
I have no plans to make any further staff appointments to my office.
Does the Taoiseach recall that when he became Taoiseach last year he promised open Government and that accessibility and transparency would be one of the hallmarks, or distinguishing features that separated the Taoiseach's administration from the previous one of Mr. Haughey? How is it proposed to give practical effect to open Government if the Taoiseach will not hold weekly press briefings?
That is a totally separate question. When I was giving those weekly press briefings time and time again in this House Fine Gael Deputies said that this was the place in which to discuss Government policy. Now, when I revert to that, they want to go the other road. The Deputies should make up their minds.
You did not say anything here before. You avoid every question here as well.
There is an old saying in Ireland "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there", and that is the road the Deputy is on at the moment. I am sorry for his trouble.