asked the Minister for Health if he will state what will be the effects of the Budget on institutional requirements in Kerry under the following heads: (a) increase due to (i) imposition of new duties, (ii) withdrawal of subsidies and (iii) increased consumption following abolition of rationing, and (b) the estimated increase in the cost of certain commodities under the health and assistance sections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Effect of Budget on Institutions.
The details necessary for the preparation of an estimate of the additional expenditure arising from the increased duties on tobacco and alcoholic drinks are not available in my Department, but in an estimate supplied by the Kerry County Council the amount is stated to be approximately £543.
The increase in expenditure due to the modification of food subsidies has been calculated in my Department at £4,980, which agrees substantially with the county council's estimate of £4,820.
I am not aware of any reason why the abolition of rationing should result in increased consumption of foodstuffs in institutions, nor do I understand the reference in the question to an increase in the cost of certain commodities under health and assistance sections.