Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jul 1960

Vol. 183 No. 13

Additional Estimate, 1960-61. - Vote 3—Department of the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach

I move:

That a sum not exceeding £20,180 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1961, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Department of the Taoiseach.

I just want to say to Deputy Sweetman, who has been criticising the Minister for Finance because his Vote showed an increase on last year, that the Deputy will, no doubt, note with pleasure that this Estimate shows a small reduction. May I make it clear that I claim no credit on that account? It is due to the fact that——

Mr. Sweetman

Some of your people have been transferred to Finance.

The Taoiseach

It is due to the fact that the provision for the Commission for the Restoration of Irish is less than in the previous year. Even that may have been a mistake because the Commission have not yet produced a report and the reduction in the Estimate was based on the assumption that the Commission would, in fact, have finished its work earlier than now seems likely.

Mr. Sweetman

You have also transferred some staff and got other people to pay for them.

The Taoiseach

The cost of the staff is up.

Mr. Dillon

Am I to take it that this is the Taoiseach's report on the state of the nation?

The Taoiseach

No, I propose, if the House agrees, to deliver that after three o'clock tomorrow.

Progress reported. Committee to sit again.