I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. The Central Fund Bill is regarded generally as a routine feature of our financial system. It is required to implement the Ways and Means Resolutions just passed by Dáil Eireann. The present Bill is designed to authorise the issue from the Central Fund of (a) the total amount of those supplementary additional grants for the present financial year which were not covered by the Appropriation Act of 1942, and (b) the amount of the Vote on Account for the coming financial year, which we have just been discussing. It also makes provision for borrowing by the Minister for Finance, and for the issue by him of such securities as he thinks proper.

Is this borrowing power customary?

Yes.

This Bill has been certified by the Ceann Comhairle to be a Money Bill within the meaning of Article 22 of the Constitution.