Tairgim:—
Go ndeontar suim ná raghaidh thar £5,181 chun slánuithe na suime is gá chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníochtas i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1944, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí Roinn an Taoisigh (Uimh. 16 de 1924; Uimh. 40 de 1937; agus Uimh. 38 de 1938).
That a sum not exceeding £5,181 be granted to complete the sum necessary to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1944, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Department of the Taoiseach (No. 16 of 1924; No. 40 of 1937; and No. 38 of 1938).
A sum of £10,450 has already been granted by means of Votes on Account. The sum now asked for is required to complete the total of £15,631, which is the estimated expenditure for the current year. Last year the Estimate was for a sum of £15,012, and accordingly there is a net increase this year of £619. Under sub-head A—Salaries, Wages and Allowances—totalling £14,621, there is an increase of £549, due largely to normal incremental charges and provision for bonus thereon, including emergency bonus for the lower grade staffs. The provision in sub-head B— Travelling Expenses—amounting to £200, is the same as for 1942-43 and the two previous years. The provision of £120 in sub-head C—Incidental Expenses—is the same as last year. The main items provided for under the sub-head are newspapers and other publications, uniforms for messengers, laundry, postage and carriage of parcels. In sub-head D—Telegrams and Telephones—the provision of £340 shows an increase of £70 as compared with last year, and is measured by reference to the latest quarterly accounts furnished by the Post Office for calls and rent charges. There is no change in the provision of £350 in sub-head E— Allowance to Taoiseach for motor car. The sub-head includes all expenses incurred by the Taoiseach in using his private car for official purposes, except wages and uniforms of chauffeurs. It is usual on this Vote to go no further than I have gone with regard to the details, but to await criticism of the Department, statements on general policy and so on.
I move to report progress.