asked the Minister for Finance what have been the total costs to the State of the proceedings concerning the firm of Shanahan's Stamp Auctions and concerning its several directors.

54.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the total cost to date to the State of all the proceedings involving Shanahan's Stamp Auctions, Limited, differentiating between the costs involved in the case of each director of the firm.

With the permission of an Ceann Comhairle I propose to take questions 53 and 54 together.

The total cost paid by the State to date of the proceedings involving Shanahan's Stamp Auctions Limited has been £24,147.17.9. As the case was common to all the directors up to the returns for trial it is not possible to differentiate between the costs involved in regard to each director.

Has the Minister received any estimate of the further costs which were incurred and which he has still to pay?

No; I have not been able to get that.

We will have some discussion on that on the Book of Estimates.

The Minister's reply referred to the company of Shanahan's Stamp Auctions, Limited. Does it relate to the prosecutions brought against the directors of that company?

Yes, individuals.

When will the final figure be available?

I do not know. There are appeals pending.

Are there?

I believe so.

Not in the main case.

Against Mrs. Singer.

Even though the Minister has not a final figure, would he say if he is satisfied that the officers dealing with these cases carried out their work in a satisfactory and efficient manner?

That is another question.

Is the Minister aware that most of this money is lost through bungling on the part of wellpaid officials of the State and is any action being taken against them?

Would the Minister consider inviting Dr. Singer to become Attorney-General?