Two factors gave rise to the necessity for this Supplementary Estimate. Firstly, there has been an additional expenditure of £603 for actuarial work performed by the British Government actuary under an agency arrangement for the Widows and Orphans' Pensions Committee. At the time the Estimate was prepared, the British Government actuary's department was not aware what further services would be required in connection with widows and orphans' pensions, but following on a conference between members of the Committee of Enquiry into Widows and Orphans' Pensions, Mr. Kyd of that Department, and Mr. Hendrie of the Ministry of Health, London, further investigation by the actuary's Department was required, and a report obtained for the Committee involving the extra expenditure.
The second factor involved in the Supplementary Estimate is that from the experience of the nine months to 31st December, 1933, it is now estimated by the Department that an additional sum of £6,700 will be required to meet the State grant on expenditure on benefits and administration by approved societies. The additional money represents an increase of 3.4 per cent. on the original estimate of £199,000. The main causes of the additional State expenditure are the increase in the number of insured persons and the increase in the benefits paid which, under the National Health Insurance Acts, automatically means an additional State grant. Against the additional expenditure of £7,303 there are additional receipts by way of appropriations-in-aid under different headings amounting to £756. Of this excess, £750 approximately is estimated to be due to repayment by Cumann an Árachais Náisiúnta ar Shláinte (the Unified Society) of portion of the cost of the salaries of two officers of the Department appointed by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health on the 24th July, 1933, to act as members of the Provisional Committee of the Society. Furthermore, savings on salaries and travelling expenses, telegrams, telephones, etc., amounting to £4,555 are available. The sum asked for is £1,992.