Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Jan 1927

Vol. 18 No. 1

NOTICES OF MOTION. - SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES.

MINISTER for FINANCE (Mr. Blythe)

I move:—

Go dtugaidh an Dáil cead chun go dtabharfaí isteach na Meastacháin Nua agus Breise seo a leanas i gcóir seirbhíse na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1927:—

Vótanna a 13 (Coimisiún na Stát-Sheirbhíse), 28 (Príomh-Scoileanna agus Coláistí), 29 (Congnamh Airgid do Siúicre Biatais), 52 (Roinn Talmhaíochta) 63 (An tArm), 68 (Aisíocanna don Chiste Teangmhais).

That leave be given by the Dáil to introduce the following Additional and Supplementary Estimates for the service of the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1927:—

Votes Nos. 13 (Civil Service Commission), 28 (Universities and Colleges), 29 (Beet Sugar Subsidy), 52 (Department of Agriculture), 63 (Army), 68 (Repayments to the Contingency Fund).

The need for these Estimates arises first in connection with the setting up and working of the Local Appointments Commission, and secondly, because an arrangement has been made for further provision for Galway College that was not made when the original Estimates were introduced. The estimate is necessary for the beet sugar industry, because the area of beet planted was greater than was anticipated, and the yield of sugar greater. The estimate for the Department of Lands and Agriculture is necessary, particularly in view of the Dairy Produce Act, as it is necessary that creameries should be erected in various districts where there are now none. The Minister for Lands and Agriculture must be in a position to make advances to enable these creameries to be erected.

Mr. JOHNSON

Can the Minister tell us what the totals are?

Mr. BLYTHE

The only considerable total is for the beet sugar subsidy. I think it is about £40,000. It is a token Vote in the case of the Department of Agriculture. The sum involved is about £23,000, but there are savings that will enable the amount to be made up out of other sub-heads. The other sums are small.

Mr. HEFFERNAN

I should like to know if the introduction and passing of these Estimates gives power to the Minister for Agriculture to make loans for the establishment of creameries, or will special legislation be required for that purpose.

Mr. BLYTHE

If the Dáil provides the money for the Minister, he may make loans.

Mr. HEFFERNAN

For that purpose?

Mr. BLYTHE

Yes.

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

For the purpose expressed in the Estimate.

Mr. HEFFERNAN

It is not expressed in the Estimate.

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

For the purpose expressed in the Estimate when we have it before us and are considering it.

Leave given to introduce Estimates.

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

When is it proposed to take these Estimates?

Mr. BLYTHE

I should like to take the Department of Agriculture Estimate to-morrow. The others I shall take at a later date.

Mr. JOHNSON

When will that Estimate be circulated?

Mr. BLYTHE

It should be available this evening, but it will certainly be available to-morrow.

Mr. JOHNSON

Unless it is absolutely necessary, it is undesirable that we should consider an Estimate the day after leave has been given to introduce it. If it is absolutely necessary, I will not oppose it, but otherwise I think there should be time given for consideration.

Mr. BLYTHE

I agree with the Deputy in that. The only reason in this particular case is that owing to the Dáil not meeting until so far on in the month, there is very little time for proceeding with work that might be done as a result of loans for creameries before the milk supply begins to be available in the spring, and it would be undesirable that there should be any delay in dealing with that particular Estimate. The Minister for Agriculture may not be available for some days, unless it is taken to-morrow, and that is the reason why I would ask the Dáil to take it to-morrow.

Ordered: That Estimate No. 52 (Department of Agriculture) be taken to-morrow.