asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when it is proposed to complete the repayments of the Dáil Eireann (Internal) Loan, 1919-20, to subscribers in Country Roscommon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dáil Eireann (Internal) Loan.
As soon as possible.
Mr. Boland
I should like to know from the Minister what has become of his promise—which, I think, he was urged by the President to make—of about twelve months ago that these payments would be all made in a couple of months and the office closed down. Is it still costing £4,000 a year for staff alone in that office?
I could not say how much it is costing at the moment. In South Roscommon, more than nine-tenths of the payments have been made. In North Roscommon, the progress has not been so good, but I think —I have not exact figures—substantially more than three-fourths of the payments have been made.
Mr. Boland
About twelve months ago a series of questions was put about this matter. It transpired that the repayments of this money had cost £17,000 in all, up to date. We could not find how much the over-claims amounted to or how much was being saved to the taxpayer at a cost of £4,000 a year. I suggest that there is nothing being saved, but that money is being wasted in keeping this office open.