I move:—
That a sum not exceeding £5,871 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1955, for the repayment to the Contingency Fund of certain Miscellaneous Advances.
The purpose of this Vote, which is taken towards the end of the financial year, is to repay to the Contingency Fund any sums issued from it since it was last replenished, other than advances for services covered by and repayable out of other Votes and/or funds. The Contingency Fund provides the means by which may be met urgent or unforeseen expenditure not covered by ordinary Votes and for which it is impracticable to seek the immediate approval of the Dáil. No payment is charged finally against the fund, which each year is restored to its original figure of £20,000 through the Repayments to the Contingency Fund Vote, and/or by the repayment from the other Votes or funds concerned of any advances made thereto. An account of the Contingency Fund showing the advances made, repayments effected and advances outstanding is published with the annual Appropriation Accounts. The four items of expenditure which necessitate this year's Vote are shown on the face of the Estimate.