Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jul 1933

Vol. 48 No. 17

Vote 2—Oireachtas.

Minister for Finance (Mr. MacEntee)

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £74,421 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1934, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí an Oireachtais, maraon le Deontas-i-gCabhair.

That a sum not exceeding £74,421 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1934, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Oireachtas, including a Grant-in-Aid.

Mr. Esmonde

I should like to know from the Minister whether it was his decision, or the decision of the Ceann Comhairle and the Chairman of the Seanad, to discontinue the previous Grant-in-Aid given to the Empire Parliamentary Association last year. Hitherto it has been a matter of convenience to members of this House to know what was happening in the other Parliaments of the Commonwealth as put forth in the synopses of the Parliamentary Debates of these other Parliaments. We got these synopses from the Parliamentary Association of the Empire or Commonwealth, thanks to the subscription or Grant-in-Aid which was given under this Vote. I presume that, as a result of the Minister's action, we will not get in future this information which was at our disposal previously.

Mr. MacDermot

I should like to know whether there is any information as to when the reduction in the numbers of Deputies, which I understand is required by law, is going to take place.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That would require legislation.

Mr. MacDermot

Yes, but I should like to have information as to when such legislation will be introduced.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That cannot be discussed on an Estimate. That is a matter of administration.

Mr. Nally

I should like to know from the Minister what were the reasons for the change in management of the Restaurant, which took place, I understand, about the 18th April, and who is responsible for that change? I understand that up to that time the management was satisfactory and, as far as I have heard, there were no complaints for the last nine or ten years. I should like to know who was responsible for the change of management.

Mr. MacEntee

I do not think that arises under this Vote, and, in any event, it is a matter over which I have no control.

Mr. Good

I should like to know does the bad ventilation from which we suffer arise under this Vote.

Mr. MacEntee

That was discussed on the Board of Works Vote yesterday, I think. As to Deputy Esmonde's point with regard to the Parliamentary Association, it was decided, with the concurrence of the Minister for External Affairs, to discontinue the grant in aid of the Association. If members wish to keep in touch with the activities of other Parliaments this Association has a journal. No doubt, members are very anxious to keep themselves well informed as to what is happening in other Parliaments, and they will no doubt be able to provide the necessary subscription to the journal out of their Parliamentary allowance.

Vote put and agreed to.