John Bruton
Ceist:1 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the official engagements, if any, he undertook on his recent visit to Limerick. [5450/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Official Engagements.
Any official engagements I have undertaken are a matter of public record. I am currently considering a number of other engagements in Limerick this weekend but the programme has not yet been finalised.
I might join the Taoiseach.
If the Deputy wishes to table a question which relates to matters of policy or administration for which I am responsible, I will address it.
In the course of the Taoiseach's official discussions in Limerick, did he meet representatives of farming and other interests in the Mulcair catchment area? Is he is aware of concerns about that drainage scheme? The middle section of the drainage scheme at Mulcair is not being funded and there is a concern there may be flooding upstream as a result of the non-drainage of the middle section around Pallasgreen?
I met many groups and there were a good deal of representations on behalf of different groups. That issue was put forward for consideration by the Minister for Finance and the Minister of State, Deputy Cullen, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. I understand this matter has been passed to them, but I do not believe any decision has been made on it.
Is there a possibility a decision will be made on this important issue soon?
The date of 10 March might be a good date for one.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the concern of students in Bruce College and the Limerick Business School, two private colleges?
The Deputy is rambling wide of the question.
I am not rambling. I have a clear objective in mind. I would never ramble on a matter of this importance. Had the Taoiseach an opportunity when in Limerick or will he have the opportunity during his future official engagements there — I have no doubt he will be welcome there at all times in whatever capacity — to meet students representing those attending private colleges, who are disappointed the Minister for Education and Science has been unable to fulfil a promise he gave to extend free fees to those attending private colleges, which is seen as antipathy to private enterprise?
That is separate from the question before us.
I assure the Taoiseach and the Chair that I will return to this matter.
If the Deputy tables a question on that, he will be able to return to it.
Did the Taoiseach when he visited Limerick, or will he when next he visits it, meet the mid-western branch of the National Association for the Mentally Handicapped? I am sure he is aware there is great distress in that organisation at the fact that there is such a huge—
The Deputy submitted that matter for the Adjournment and it is being considered. She should not pre-empt what might be the subject of a debate later this evening.
The Taoiseach indicated he would return to Limerick and he was filling in who he would meet on his programme. I would be grateful if he would take this opportunity to indicate his views, particularly given that this morning it was announced that the Minister, Deputy de Valera, had raised this matter at Cabinet level. Does the Taoiseach not want to reply to the parents of the mentally handicapped in Limerick?
The question under discussion is not one regarding the Taoiseach's views. It asks specifically about his official engagements.
Those parents will be very disappointed if the Taoiseach does not take this opportunity to speak about the needs of the mentally handicapped in Limerick and the western region.
There may be another opportunity to return to that subject.
Has the Taoiseach's office informed him or has he, on the advice of his Chief Whip, taken into account the new reporting and accounting procedures required for all election campaigns? Is he keeping a separate account of his official diary as distinct from—
That matter does not arise in regard to this question.
It does, particularly when Fianna Fáil is spending money.
I do not wish to be in conflict with the Chair, but the question asks the Taoiseach the official engagements, if any, he undertook on his most recent visit to Limerick. In that context it is reasonable to ask if he is keeping a separate account of the cost of such engagements, particularly any costs associated with campaigning because the rules have changed. I am trying to avoid future problems for the man.
That is not strictly relevant to this question which is about the Taoiseach's official engagements.
I assure the Deputy I am doing that. As I drove around the constituencies of Dublin North and Limerick East—
The Taoiseach is driven around; we drive around.
No, I drive at the weekends. As I drove around the constituencies I noticed some parties seem to be spending enormous amounts of money and I hope they are also keeping a good record of their figures.