asked the Minister for Defence if, with reference to his statement at a meeting at Drumlish, in the course of which he said that the previous Government had entered into contracts and commitments for which no provision was made in the current Estimates, he will give details of these contracts and commitments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Defence Commitments.
I would refer the Deputy to my statement in the House on the 16th June last when introducing the Estimate for Defence for the present financial year.
Three building projects, estimated to cost a total of £117,500 for which provision was not made in the current Vote for Defence, are at present being carried out by the Corps of Engineers.
If provision for those buildings was not made in the Estimate, where is the Minister getting the money from now to carry out the work?
Where did my predecessors get the money to start it?
Mr. Lemass
Where are you getting it?
Out of the uranium mines.
I have to come in here and get a Supplementary Estimate for that.
Mr. Lemass
You are not supposed to spend it until you get the Supplementary Estimate.
It all depends on whether or not you are cutting in other ways.
Mr. Lemass
You are codding the people of Drumlish, and well you know it. It is not the first time.
The former Minister for Industry and Commerce and the former Minister for Posts and Telegraphs promised money to the people of Athlone, for extensions, which they had not got.
Mr. Lemass
Have you not got it?
You faked the Estimate. You know you did.
I have to get it from the House.