Before answering the first question I should like to inform you, Sir, and the House, that before leaving his home this morning the Minister for Finance met with an accident which has resulted in concussion. He is now in hospital and has been ordered to remain under medical observation for some days. Therefore, I will introduce the Financial Statement myself.
Statement by the Taoiseach.
May I on my own behalf and on behalf of my colleagues express regret in regard to the accident of the Minister for Finance? We hope he will be all right shortly. We fully understand the situation.
I should also like to express, on behalf of the Labour Party, sympathy with the Minister. He would have required sympathy today and it is just too bad that he does require it for another reason.