asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that Supplementary and Additional Estimates of £29 million for 1968-69, £36 million for 1969-70 and £44 million for 1970-71 represents a deteriorating position in respect of estimation of national expenditure; and what steps he has taken or intends taking towards improving the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Expenditure.
28.
The Supplementary and Additional Estimates referred to by the Deputy were composed mainly as follows:
1968-69—Total £29 million— mainly, Budget increases £4.6 million, increases in remuneration and pensions £9.0 million and agricultural subsidies and wheat losses £6.9 million.
1969-70—Total £36 million— mainly, Budget increases £8.4 million, increases in remuneration and pensions £9.7 million and agriculture £8.9 million.
1970-71—Total £44 million— mainly, Budget increases £22 million, increases in remuneration and pensions £10.7 million, additional grant to CIE £3.6 million and social welfare £3.3 million.
This indicates that the Supplementary and Additional Estimates required for the past three years were due mainly to (i) increases in expenditure provided for in the annual Budget (ii) increases in remuneration and pensions and (iii) payments for agricultural subsidies, which are dependent on external factors and other items which could not have been accurately forecast.
Would the Minister agree that there has been a deterioration in the information?
No, I would not, actually.
The Minister may have an explanation as to why the deterioration occurred but he does agree it did occur?
No. May I give the Deputy a little further information? He will appreciate that the Book of Estimates is prepared before the annual Budget and that any alterations announced in the annual Budget of necessity cannot be included in the Book of Estimates. If one excludes the items included in the Budget, then the net Supplementary Estimates have formed a decreasing proportion of the Budget estimate for supply services in recent years. The figures are as follows:
|
1968-69 |
7.9 per cent |
|
1969-70 |
7.6 per cent |
|
1970-71 |
4.9 per cent |
Does the Minister expect that that increasing ratio of inaccurate forecasting will continue?
I have just pointed out that it is a decreasing ratio.
Is this a proof of the deterioration in the State's financial position? Is that what the Minister is telling us?
I must confess I cannot follow the logic of that question.
Just think it over.