Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Jun 1937

Vol. 68 No. 1

Committee on Finance. - Vote 73—Grant to ex-Governor-General.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Ruttledge)

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £2,000 chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1938, chun na híocaíochta leis an duine ba dhéanaí bhí i seilbh oifige mar Sheanascal dá bhforáltar in Alt 4 (2) (a) den Acht um Chomhachta Feidhmiúcháin (Forálacha Iarmartacha), 1937 (Uimh. 20 de 1937).

That a sum not exceeding £2,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 1938, for the payment to the last holder of the office of Governor-General provided for in Section 4 (2) (a) of the Executive Powers (Consequential Provisions) Act, 1937 (No. 20 of 1937).

Mr. Dillon

Would the Minister vouchsafe us any explanation of why it is deemed desirable to give Mr. Buckley £2,000 as a present? I can understand the pension; I can understand paying the debts contracted during his term of office, but for what is the £2,000? Is that to provide him with a holiday after his heavy labours while in office? Is he threatened with a nervous breakdown from overwork?

Mr. Ruttledge

We have had all this already.

Attention drawn to the fact that 20 members were not present; House counted, and 20 members being present,

Mr. Ruttledge

We had all this out on the other stages of the Bill, including the £2,000 which has been referred to several times. I have already explained that the £2,000 is to provide something in the way of setting up a residence for the last occupant of the office and to make the necessary provision for him with the £500 pension.

Mr. Dillon

The amount of the grant is for the house and furniture, with debts paid, and a permanent pension?

Mr. Ruttledge

Other people have been much better provided for.

Mr. Dillon

It is on a noble scale.

Question put and agreed to.

Estimate reported and agreed to.

The Dáil adjourned at 6.45 p.m., until Wednesday, the 9th June, at 3 p.m.