Vol. 326 No. 4
asked the Taoiseach if he will indicate each subhead of each Vote for which he is responsible which is to be increased in the 1981 Estimates by less than 16 per cent and/or the officially expected rate of inflation in 1981; and how economies, if any, are to be made in respect of each such subhead so as to keep within the provision in the subhead.
2.
asked the Taoiseach how he expects to reduce annual expenditure on travelling expenses in his Department this year by £7,000 as indicated in the Book of Estimates.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 1 and 2 together.
The detailed information sought by the Deputy can more appropriately be raised when the Estimates for my Department and for An Chomhairle Ealaíon come before the Dáil. In the meantime I wish to state that the allocations shown in the Book of Estimates conform with the overall allocations decided by the Government and the necessary steps are being taken to ensure that they will not be exceeded.
Will the Taoiseach answer Question No. 2?
I have said that steps have been taken to ensure that the amounts allocated will not be exceeded.
I should like to know how much was spent on travelling expenses last year and if the Taoiseach considers the existing provision to be adequate in view of the fact that he has increased the number of staff in his Department?
I am satisfied that the allocations made will be adhered to.
