asked the Minister for Education the real expenditure increase or decrease in the overall Government expenditure in his Department, allowing for the expected overall inflation rate of 18 per cent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
9.
The provision for expenditure in the Education group of Votes in the Estimates for 1980 shows an increasing 27.1 per cent over the total amount in the original Estimates—that is, before Supplementary Estimates—in 1979. The increase in the consumer price index between February 1979 and February 1980 was 15.5 per cent. If the percentage increase of 27.1 per cent is related to a 15.5 per cent increase in the consumer price index the increase in real terms would be calculated at 10 per cent.
Has the Minister figures in relation to expenditure other than that relating to teachers' pay and would he explain the increase in real terms in expenditure other than teachers' pay in 1979?
The question asked for the real expenditure increase or decrease in the overall Government expenditure. He who runs may read but I cannot get the Deputy to understand the question if he does not want to.
Has the Minister figures relating to expenditure in his Department, excluding expenditure on teachers' pay?
If the Deputy puts down a question——
The answer is "no".
I object to the Deputy answering the question as well as asking it. There are histrionics stampeding around on the other side of the House.
Is the Minister aware——
I am calling Question No. 10. The Deputy should resume his seat.
The Deputy is, as often, clowning.