Question:
122 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the total budget surplus in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7030/01]
Written Answers. - Budget Surplus.
There were budget deficits in 1996 and 1997 and budget surpluses in the last three years as follows:
|
Year |
Exchequer Balance |
|
£million |
|
|
1996 |
436 |
|
1997 |
235 |
|
1998 |
747 |
|
1999 |
1,192 |
|
2000 |
2,402 |
In addition, a sum of £3.015 billion in 1999 and a further £1.85 billion in 2000 was paid into the temporary holding fund for the part pre-funding of future pension liabilities. The total in this fund at present is £5.092 billion.