asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the additional subvention of £300,000 allocated to Bord Fáilte has been paid to the board; and, if not, why.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answer. - Bord Fáilte Funds.
6.
Mr. O'Donnell
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to make additional marketing funds available to Bord Fáilte; and, if so, when he proposes to introduce the necessary supplementary estimate.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together. The special marketing campaign which is being undertaken by Bord Fáilte is expected to cost £395,000. Of this amount £200,000 will be met by the transfer of unused interest grant moneys provided in the Vote for my Department for the current financial year. In order to effect this transfer, it will be necessary to introduce a token supplementary estimate. I hope to do this very shortly. The balance of the total sum required will be met from the provision to be made for Bord Fáilte in the financial year 1971-72.
Mr. O'Donnell
Would the Minister clarify the position in relation to this supplementary estimate? Is the Minister aware that on seven occasions since 29th October last I have raised this question of a supplementary estimate as an additional subvention to Bord Fáilte and on each occasion we were given to understand that a supplementary estimate was imminent? The most recent occasion was 3rd February when the Minister informed me he was about to introduce a supplementary estimate. Eleven supplementary estimates have been circulated within the past week but there is no sign of the supplementary estimate in question. In view of the fact that the Minister has stated he must do this before the end of March will be explain the reason for the delay?
The important matter is not the technicality of when the estimate will be moved. It must be moved before the end of March. The important thing is that money has been spent in a very desirable promotional campaign.
What is the Minister buying with the money this time?
Mr. O'Donnell
Would the Minister say either "Yes" or "No"? Will we have a supplementary estimate here before 31st March? The Dáil will sit only one more week in March.
Would the Deputy read my reply?
Mr. O'Donnell
Will we have it before 31st March?
The Deputy should read my reply.
Mr. O'Donnell
I have read the Minister's seven replies over the last five months.