I move:
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £10 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1973, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and of certain services administered by that Office, including certain grants-in-aid.
The Supplementary Estimate is required to meet expenditure arising out of payment of compensation to the British Government for malicious damage to two boats belonging to the British Hydrographic Survey vessel, HMS Hecate, which were taken away and blown up on 20th April, 1971, while engaged in a hydrographic survey at Baltimore Harbour, County Cork. This hydrographic survey was undertaken on behalf of the Irish authorities and for the benefit of Irish interests.
In expressing regret for the damage the Government, in accordance with normal practice, offered compensation to the British authorities for the amount of damage caused. A claim amounting to £19,012 in respect of the damage caused to the boats was subsequently received from the British authorities. Payment of compensation of £19,012 to the British authorities has necessitated opening an additional subhead of the Vote for Foreign Affairs for this purpose.
Savings amounting to £19,002 can be effected under other subheads in the financial year 1972-73. A supplementary sum not exceeding £10 is, therefore, required to defray the charge which will come in the course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1973. I recommend it to the House.
