asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention has been called to the report in the Press of the President's recent speech delivered in the County Monaghan, in which he stated that £17,000,000 sterling of Revenue was raised last year from liquor duties; and, if so, whether the figures arc correct; and, if not, what arc the correct figures.

My attention has not been called to the report in question, but on inquiry from the President I learn that his statement was to the effect that £17,500,000 was spent annually on intoxicating liquor in this country. The net receipts in 1925-26 from liquor duties (including liquor licences and duties on table and mineral waters) was £7,140,959.