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Seanad Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jul 1932

Vol. 15 No. 28

Finance Bill, 1932—Fifth Stage.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

I wish to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance, in the absence of the Minister, if it is the policy of the Government to confiscate the property of a farmer or landowner who, owing to the extra taxation imposed under this Bill, is compelled to dispense with some of his employees. I asked this question on the occasion of the Second Reading of this Bill but the Minister either evaded answering it or could not reply. Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would do so now.

I also wish to ask a question and perhaps I might preface it by saying that I am doing so not on my own behalf but on behalf of another member of the Seanad. He wishes to know if any information is yet available regarding the proposed cuts in the Civil Service and if it is still the policy of the Government to enforce these cuts and if so if he could say when they are likely to be put into operation.

With regard to Senator Sir John Keane's question about the cuts, I think it hardly arises on this Bill. It is certainly something we are not prepared to deal with this afternoon. The whole question of the cuts is under review and negotiations are proceeding, and, I suggest, this is not the time to answer such a question.

As regards Senator Miss Browne's question in reference to confiscation, I really do not understand what is the purport of the question. I do not think any question of confiscation has arisen.

It has arisen out of a reply made by the Minister for Finance in the Dáil.

In his absence, I am afraid none of us is in a position to deal with it. I do not understand the purport of the question. There is no question of confiscation.

There is no question of confiscation. Is that the reply?

I have not heard of any suggestion in the way of confiscation in any measure, financial or otherwise.

Question put and agreed to.
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