asked the Minister for Finance the percentage increase in borrowing by State companies in 1980; how this figure compares with the amount estimated at the beginning of 1980; and the reasons for the increase.
Written Answers. - State Companies Borrowing.
15.
Total borrowings by State bodies in 1980 for investment purposes and for the refinancing of previous years' borrowings amounted to £345 million, an increase of 44 per cent on the comparable 1979 figure. Actual borrowings in 1980 showed an increase of £49 million over the budget estimate. The increase over the budget estimate arose mainly in the case of the Agricultural Credit Corporation Ltd., the air companies, the ESB and Bord Gáis and was due to a variety of causes such as increased activity, increased costs and to internally generated funds being less than expected.