asked the Minister for Finance if he will give the following information at May, 1956 and at May, 1969, or the nearest date for which figures are available: (a) the total national debt, (b) the cost of running the State, (c) the cost of running the country as a percentage of the national income, (d) the cost of servicing the national debt and (e) the amount due by the central authority to sources outside Ireland.
Written Answers. - National Debt and Total Current Government Expenditure.
104.
Following is the information required:
(a) The total national debt at 31st March, 1956, amounted to £309 million and at 31st March, 1969, is estimated at £914 million.
(b) Total current Government expenditure was £119.9 million in 1956-57 and is estimated at £392.9 million for 1969-70.
(c) Total current Government expenditure as a percentage of Gross National Product (the appropriate aggregate for the purpose):—
|
1956-57 |
1969-70 |
|
21.5% |
28.3% |
(d) The cost of servicing the national debt at 31st March, 1956, and 31st March, 1969, amounted to £17 million and £76 million, respectively.
(e) The external portion of the national debt at 31st March, 1956, and 31st March, 1969, amounted to £45 million and £52 million, respectively.
A Cheann Comhairle, in the circumstances should we not finish Questions today?
In view of the unsatisfactory reply to Question No. 12 by the Minister for Local Government, when he answered a question I did not ask and did not reply to the question I asked, I give notice that I wish to raise the matter on the Adjournment tonight.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
Should we not finish Questions?
Order of Business.