(Cavan) and Mr. Reynolds asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of the referendum to the Exchequer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Referendum.
45.
Mr. T.J. Fitzpatrick
I would refer the Deputies to my reply of 4th February, 1969, on this subject. Approximately two thirds of the election accounts are still outstanding.
(Cavan): Do I understand the Minister to say that he has not got the information because two-thirds of the election accounts are still outstanding?
Yes.
(Cavan): Does the Minister not think that now, five months after this unnecessary wasting of public money, it is time the people knew what exactly the referendum cost? Does he not further think that it is highly desirable that we should have this information before another national contest is launched?
We have already given an estimate of £100,000. That was given a long time ago and there is no reason to think that that estimate will be substantially departed from. Returning officers have a difficult job to get all these accounts in. I do not think any price is too high to pay to allow the people to exercise their democratic rights.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): If the Minister said that no price is too high to pay to teach the Fianna Fáil Party a lesson I might agree with him. Surely he will agree that all who were employed by returning officers in connection with this matter must have been paid long ago? Does he suggest they have not yet been paid?
This is the sort of thing that makes a laughing-stock of the Deputy's Party, this fiddle-de-dee.
(Interruptions.)
(Cavan): I wish to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment, Sir.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.