I move:
That a sum not exceeding £331,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1970, for the salaries and expenses of the Central Statistics Office.
Committee on Finance. - Vote 4: Central Statistics Office.
I do not understand why Vote No. 4 comes in at this stage. The Central Statistics Office was always under the direction of the Taoiseach. As far as I know, it still is. I realise that the Secretary of the Department of Finance is the accounting officer but I think the Taoiseach has always accounted for it in the House.
The Deputy's memory is at fault, unusually.
I remember the Taoiseach on one occasion making comments about it. I know that the Secretary of the Department of Finance is the accounting officer.
I am the Minister responsible. The Taoiseach is responsible for its administration but it comes under my Department for financial purposes.
Is that because it is not thought appropriate that the Taoiseach should have anything to do with financial matters?
He is a little above sordid financial matters.
Or below them.
Vote put and agreed to.