asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of national debt on 31st March 1967 and the present annual cost of servicing it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Debt.
39.
The amount of the national debt at 31 March, 1967, was £769 million. The amount required for the service of the public debt for the current financial year is estimated at £64.1 million.
Is the Minister aware that, including the figure for local authorities, the national debt now amounts to almost £1,000 million? Is he further aware that the Fianna Fáil Government have the country in pawn, and when do they intend to redeem it? Do you remember 1951 when you were saying: "They have the country in pawn—put them out." The national debt then was only a quarter of what it is today.
Have a glass of water.
You take more than a glass of water.