Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Mar 1960

Vol. 179 No. 7

Committee on Finance - Vote 1—President's Establishment.

Minister for Finance (Dr. Ryan)

I move:

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £3,330 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1960, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Office of the Secretary to the President and for certain other expenses of the President's Establishment (No. 24 of 1938).

The Supplementary Estimate mainly arises from the expenditure incurred by the Presidential party in connection with their official visit to the United States on the invitation of President Eisenhower in March-April, 1959.

The supplementary sum is made up as follows:—

	£
Subhead A — Salaries, Wages and Allowances	465
Subhead B.B — Travelling, etc. Expenses in connection with visit to United States of America by the President	2,865
	£3,330

The provision of £2,865 (Subhead B.B) is to meet the travelling, subsistence and incidental expenses of the Presidential party incurred in connection with the official visit. The supplementary provision of £465 for Subhead A is in respect of the salary of an additional head of staff in the Office of the Secretary to the President.

Mr. Sweetman

So far as Subhead B.B. of the Estimate is concerned, in connection with the visit of the President to the United States which undid some of the damage previously done by the Minister for External Affairs, it is not being opposed. However, I do not know that there is any necessity for an additional head of staff. The duties attached to the President's Office have not been increased in any way and the Minister might give us some explanation of that.

Dr. Ryan

The head of staff is, in fact, an additional head of staff to the present President of a personal secretary. That is the reason for this sub-head.

Mr. Sweetman

Are there any additional duties to be carried out by the President? The staff was always adequate before.

Dr. Ryan

We have to deal fairly generously with the President. If he asks for an additional head of staff, which is merely a personal secretary, we thought we should agree.

Mr. Desmond

I do not think the reward from these official trips is commensurate with the expenditure involved. Some people think that any harm done can be undone by such visits. I am not trying to make propaganda for the Opposition but I believe some other system should be adopted instead of involving the nation in this expense. If an official invitation is issued to the head of the State, I do not see much advantage in its acceptance unless the expenses are covered by those issuing the invitation.

Vote put and agreed to.