asked the Minister for Local Government the credit balance or otherwise of each local authority in Leinster at 31st March, 1968; the possible position concerning each such authority at 31st March, 1969; and the amount of interest paid on overdraft accommodation by each during the year ended 31st March, 1968.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Finances.
10.
Particulars of the credit or debit balances of local authorities at 31st March, 1969 are not available. Details of the balances of the local authorities in Leinster at 31st March, 1968, are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course. The information requested in the second part of the question is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Local Authority |
Overdraft Interest paid in year ended 31st March, 1968 |
|
£ |
|
|
County Councils: |
|
|
Carlow |
11,606 |
|
Dublin |
Nil |
|
Kildare |
17,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
18,484 |
|
Laoighis |
3,150 |
|
Longford |
11,948 |
|
Louth |
3,150 |
|
Meath |
8,000 |
|
Offaly |
4,920 |
|
Westmeath |
13,586 |
|
Wexford |
12,000 |
|
Wicklow |
10,889 |
|
County Borough Corporation: |
|
|
Dublin |
5,000 |
|
Urban District Councils: |
|
|
An Uaimh |
Nil |
|
Arklow |
Nil |
|
Athlone |
300 |
|
Athy |
111 |
|
Birr |
Nil |
|
Bray |
Nil |
|
Carlow |
86 |
|
Ceanannus Mór |
Nil |
|
Drogheda |
1,210 |
|
Dundalk |
1,804 |
|
Dún Laoghaire |
Nil |
|
Enniscorthy |
Nil |
|
Kilkenny |
200 |
|
Longford |
Nil |
|
Naas |
169 |
|
New Ross |
Nil |
|
Trim |
Nil |
|
Tullamore |
Nil |
|
Wexford |
2,500 |
|
Wicklow |
100 |
|
Town Commissioners: |
|
|
Ardee |
Nil |
|
Balbriggan |
Nil |
|
Callan |
Nil |
|
Droichead Nua |
Nil |
|
Edenderry |
Nil |
|
Gorey |
Nil |
|
Granard |
Nil |
|
Mountmellick |
Nil |
|
Muinebeag |
Nil |
|
Mullingar |
Nil |
|
Portlaoighise |
Nil |
|
Unified Health Authorities: |
|
|
Dublin |
11,000 |
11.
asked the Minister for Local Government the total indebtedness of local authorities at the 31st March, 1957, and the estimated indebtedness at 31st March, 1969.
The total indebtedness of local authorities, excluding harbour authorities, vocational education committees and committees of agriculture, at 31st March, 1957 was £128.58 million. The corresponding amount at 31st March, 1968, the latest date for which figures are available, was £230.54 million.
We are going in the wrong direction.
It is a reflection of the improvement made in the provision of services under the present Government.
The more money you borrow the wealthier you are.
The more money you spend on local services the better conditions are for the people in the local authority areas——
Is that why the Minister cut the road grant?
——and that is why there is such an outstanding improvement apparent throughout the country.
The Minister cut the road grants by £1½ million and the housing grants. We are even going to the World Bank now when you cannot get it anywhere else.
The Road Fund which was insolvent when we took office, is now in a solvent position and will be maintained in a solvent position.
12.
asked the Minister for Local Government the total amount borrowed by local authorities during the period 1st April, 1957, to the latest date for which figures are available.
The total amount borrowed, other than by means of temporary overdraft, by all local authorities, excluding harbour authorities, vocational education committees and committees of agriculture, in the period from 1st April, 1957 to 31st March, 1968 is estimated at £155.35 million which is another measure of the progress made.
Now we know who put the country in pawn.
The country is able to sustain this expenditure.
You are wondering whether the Taoiseach will resign.