Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Aug 1927

Vol. 20 No. 19

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE.

Mr. BLYTHE

I move:—

Go dtugaidh an Dáil cead chun go dtabharfaí isteach an Meastachán Breise i gcóir Seirbhíse na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1928, sé sin le rá:—

Vóta a 52 (An Roinn Talmhaíochta).

That leave be given by the Dáil to introduce the following Supplementary Estimate for the service of the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1928, namely:—

Vote No. 52 (Department of Agriculture).

The purpose is to carry on further operations in connection with the purchase of proprietary creameries with a view to their transfer to co-operative societies.

Mr. BELTON

I think the House should get more information about this supplementary estimate. The first the country heard of this matter was when the Dáil voted £365,000 of State money for what was very little more than scrap. I am speaking from memory and from information in the Press when I say that sum was subsequently raised to £500,000. Now there is a supplementary estimate submitted. I think the country should know what all this money is for. Where is the £365,000 gone, and the extra sum bringing the amount to £500,000? I have a pretty fair knowledge of agricultural conditions and the dairying industry. There was no demand for this. It was only a fad with somebody who knew nothing about agricultural conditions and the organisation of agriculture to hand creameries over to a crowd that have failed in the organisation of the dairying industry——

AN CEANN COMHAIRLE

The Deputy, perhaps, is not aware that what is being asked for is leave to introduce this supplementary estimate. The estimate will be circulated, including the amount or amounts and the sub-head or sub-heads under it. It will then, when the Deputies have the figures in detail before them, be subject to discussion, and probably the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Agriculture will make a statement on the subject.

Mr. HEWSON

As coming from a county most affected by this proposal. I should like the details to be given fully.

Leave granted.

Ordered that the Vote be taken on Friday, 12th August.