Committee Reports::Report - Appropriation Accounts 1948 - 1949::18 July, 1951::Appendix

APPENDIX IV.

EXPENDITURE ON SALARIES, WAGES, ALLOWANCES AND TRAVELLING EXPENSES FOR THE VOTE FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS, 1948-49.

An Rúnaí,


Coiste um Chuntais Phoiblí.


A Chara,


In connection with my examination on the account for the Office of Public Works (Vote No. 9) 1948-49, before the Committee of Public Accounts on the 16th November, 1950, the following further information is supplied in relation to Subheads “A” and “B” of the Vote referred to.


Subhead A.—Salaries, Wages and Allowances:

The saving of £13,945 odd was due to delay in filling staff vacancies and additional staff budgeted for but not provided, totalling £19,317, offset by increases in Civil Service remuneration amounting to £5,372.


Subhead B.—Travelling Expenses.

The excess expenditure occurred principally on Architectural services, and arose from the fact that increased facilities in rail and motor transport in the year 1948-49 enabled the Architects to carry out more frequent visits of inspection to buildings and properties in their districts than had been found possible in previous years when, consequent on transport restrictions generally, such visits had to be curtailed. In addition, building materials, etc., were in better supply and New Works and works of maintenance were more extensive, thus necessitating a greater number of inspections to supervise progress.


The expenditure on New Works in the financial year 1948/49 was 65 per cent. and 75 per cent. respectively greater than similar expenditure in the years 1947/48 and 1946/47, and on Maintenance Works the percentage expenditure increases were 14 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively.


Increases in subsistence rates and improved mileage allowances for motor travel, which were sanctioned by the Department of Finance in the prior year, were reflected in the excess expenditure.


Travelling abroad on inspections of Legation premises and for other purposes amounted to £490.


 

(Signed) DIARMUID Ó hEIGCEARTUIGH,

 

Chairman,

6 Eanáir, 1951.

Commissioners of Public Works.