asked the Minister for Finance to what purpose the annual saving of £30,000,000 to the Exchequer, consequent on Ireland's entry to the EEC, will be put; if, in particular, a substantial part thereof will be devoted to increases in welfare payments, children's allowances and personal allowances on income tax to cushion citizens against the impact of rising food prices; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Exchequer Resources.
26.
The allocation of Exchequer resources on our entry to the EEC will be determined in the light of the budgetary situation likely to prevail at that time and the social and economic circumstances likely to prevail.
The Minister will agree that Ireland's entry to EEC and the consequential financial developments are very significantly different from the normal budgetary situation and in the light of the certainty of increases in the prices of necessaries of life, the considerable margin between our own social welfare payments and those obtaining in EEC, and of valued added tax, would the Minister not consider that it is now appropriate for him to give a very specific undertaking that substantial increases will be given in welfare payments and in personal tax allowances so as to protect all families and individuals against the substantial increases in the necessaries of life?
The Deputy made this point in the recent debate on the EEC and I commented on it and said no doubt many people would agree and indeed had already suggested something on the same lines as Deputy Ryan. I also pointed out that other ideas were being put forward and would be considered and that this was a very important matter which I felt deserved a great deal of thought. I am still of that opinion.
May in intrude on this "gaga-land" debate between the Minister and Deputy Ryan in relation to EEC to ask the Minister and Deputy Ryan whether they really believe we shall get £30 million from EEC?
I believe we shall get a very substantial sum.
Oh yeah! Fan go bhfeicfidh tú.