Vol. 340 No. 9
I move:
That a supplementary sum not exceeding £20 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December, 1983, for the salaries and expenses of the Department of the Taoiseach and for payment of certain grants-in-aid.
Perhaps the Minister would confirm the agreement that token Estimates are being accepted now by the House on the basis that we will have an opportunity later to discuss the substance of the Supplementary estimates. The wording of the new subhead M — Women's Affairs — seems slightly peculiar. Perhaps something like "Expenses of the Office of the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach" would be preferable. However, I will deal with that later. At this stage it seems a rather unusual phrase to incorporate into such a staid document as the Book of Estimates, but things are changing in the Taoiseach's Department every day so perhaps we should not be surprised.
I hope these changes will not become permanent.
I hope we will have an opportunity to discuss these exotic matters.
Does it cover the cost of recent appointments?
I am happy to give the assurance that the Leader of the Opposition seeks, that I have no doubt that the exotic matters to which he refers will be the subject of his own close attention. I am sure that the priority women's affairs are being given by the present Government will be continued by him if he ever comes back to Government.
