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Dáil Éireann debate -
Friday, 5 Dec 1952

Vol. 135 No. 6

Supplementary Estimates—Leave to Introduce.

I move:—

That leave be given by the Dáil to introduce the following Supplementary Estimates for the service of the year ending on the 31st March, 1953, namely:—

Votes Nos.:—

27 (Agriculture).

52 (Aviation and Meteorological Services).

63 (Unemployment Insurance and Unemployment Assistance).

64 (Widows' and Orphans' Pensions).

Is the Minister going to move them all?

Yes, in one.

When will they be circulated?

I should hope to circulate some to-morrow morning and certainly all of them over the week end.

Does the Tánaiste still maintain that Vote 52 must be taken before Christmas? It is only a token Estimate. Therefore, it cannot be that the money is required. As the Parliamentary Secretary will agree, it is not in the original list, given to the Opposition, of the matters that had to be disposed of before Christmas. To bring in a matter of that sort at the heel of the hunt when the money itself is not required does seem rather unreasonable.

That is a question which can only be answered when the position in regard to the programme for the remainder of the session has been clarified. I do not think that Deputy Sweetman or I could adduce any valid objection to the proposal which is now before the Dáil to permit these Estimates to be introduced.

I am not objecting to the introduction of them but I want the position clarified as to when Vote 52 will be taken.

I suggest that we put them all down formally for Tuesday. Naturally, these will be matters that will be subject to agreement with the Whips arrived at in the ordinary way. I do not see that any practical purpose would be served by denying the right to the whole House to discuss them on Tuesday if that be so agreed.

With reference to what Deputy Sweetman said, I would like to point out that I had a saving clause at the bottom of the list which I gave him which said: "This is so far as can be seen at present."

The Minister stated that some of the Estimates might possibly be circulated to-morrow morning. As far as the Dáil is concerned, the coming weekend will be a short one, and if they are posted to-morrow to Deputies down the country they will not get them until Monday, and the Dáil meets on Tuesday.

With the exception of Vote 52, none of the Estimates raises any new or novel principles; they all give effect to decisions of the Dáil and are merely to supplement the provision already made in respect of existing services.

The Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Agriculture has been moved by the Minister for Finance and not by the Minister for Agriculture who is in the House. Does that envisage a reduction in the services or an expansion of them?

I am not aware that it is usual to present Supplementary Estimates in order to secure a reduction in the services.

You are not a very common kind of Minister for Finance. You are a disastrous kind.

We have no objection to any of the Supplementary Estimates being discussed on Tuesday other than Vote 52.

That matter can be discussed.

Question put and agreed to.
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