asked the Minister for Finance if he is now in a position to state the cost to the taxpayer of the recent referendum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Referendum.
17.
As I indicated in reply to questions on 23rd October, 1968 it will not be possible to state the cost to public funds of the recent referendum until final accounts are received from all local returning officers and examined. I also indicated on the same date in reply to a supplementary question that experience had shown that final accounts may not be received from all returning officers for several months after an election or referendum.
Why does it take so long for these accounts to be submitted by the returning officers?
The returning officers have various accounts—for printers, boxmakers and all kinds of stationers. It takes time to get their accounts in to the Department of Finance.
It is a bit long.
This has been our experience. There is no delay on the official side and this matter will be dealt with as quickly as possible.