Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Mar 1969

Vol. 239 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Debt.

36.

asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of the national debt at 1st March, 1957 and at 1st March, 1969.

The national debt is computed at the end of each financial year. At the 31st March, 1957, the national debt was £342 million and at 31st March, 1968, it was £823 million.

The Minister might now recognise that when Deputy Lemass was Deputy Leader of the Opposition he accused the inter-Party Government of putting the country in pawn.

That is not a question.

We know now who is putting the country in pawn.

The difference was that under Deputy Dillon and——

(Interruptions.)

We borrowed money and——

You borrowed Marshall Aid and spent it on imported wheat.

That statement is untrue.

You boasted that you spent £16 million in one afternoon.

Question No. 37.

It is untrue and the Minister should not say it.

(Interruptions.)

Will Deputies please allow Questions to continue?

It is an historic occasion when the Leader of the Government has to take the Whip off himself.

It is more historic when you know that it may be the last day Fianna Fáil will be in Government.

Top
Share