Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy Studies.Tuesday, 11 July 1972 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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Dr. O'Connell:
asked the Taoiseach the number of Government policy studies he has initiated in the past three years; and the number of these which have been (a) completed and (b) published.
The Taoiseach:
The study and reappraisal of Government policy is a continuous process and it is not the normal practice to publish the results in a formal manner. The outcome of such studies usually finds expression in Ministerial statements and speeches and in practical implementation.
Dr. O'Connell:
Would the Taoiseach not agree that there is a necessity for such policy studies? Is the Fourth Programme not the result of policy studies? Would he not, prior to the publication of that, have such documents published?
The Taoiseach:
Surely the document to which the Deputy refers is a document in itself and it is not necessary to have a prior document published about the same thing.
Dr. O'Connell:
There is no document prepared before the final document? That is what I was thinking of.
The Taoiseach:
Yes. Draft documents, and they are discussed between Ministers, between civil servants and at Government meetings. It is the final [1044] document that counts and that is the one that is published.
Dr. O'Connell:
The drafts are not available for public discussion?
Dr. O'Connell:
asked the Taoiseach if any speeches which have been made by him outside the House and which reflect Government policy are placed in the Dáil Library for official use; and, if not, why.
The Taoiseach:
It is not my practice to direct that copies of prepared scripts of my speeches should be presented to the Library but if any Deputy wishes to have the script of a particular speech made available in the Library, I shall be glad to comply with his or her wishes.
Dr. O'Connell:
Would the Taoiseach not agree that his speeches reflect Government policy and as such should be made available to the Dáil Library?
The Taoiseach:
Not all of my speeches reflect Government policy.
Dr. O'Connell:
That is interesting. Should they not?
The Taoiseach:
I mention matters that are not concerned with Government policy in my speeches.
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