asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the grounds on which the application of Mr. P. Doherty, Dunmore, Carrigart, County Donegal, for a small grant under the Farm Improvements Scheme was refused; whether he is aware that the applicant is a competent man at this work and was for a number of years employed as a ganger in charge of minor relief schemes, and further, whether he will say who inspected the work.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Improvement Grant.
I find that a grant has not so far been paid because the reports indicated that the work was not satisfactorily completed. The applicant reported to the Department on 11th March last that the works authorised had been completed, but, on inspection, this was found not to be so. In a letter dated 12th August, the applicant admitted that the works had not been completed in March as stated by him, but said they had been finished about 16th July. He further stated that, while the work done might not be strictly according to technical requirements, it was in reality satisfactory. A further inspection indicated that the work was not yet satisfactorily completed and the applicant was informed to this effect. Further representations were received from him on 10th September and a senior officer was instructed to visit applicant and report as to whether any further progress had been made and whether the work performed was of such a nature as to merit a grant. The report of this officer has not yet been received.
The applicant has stated that he derives his living solely from farming and I have no official information as to how he was previously employed. His competence in this particular matter must be judged by the way in which the work has been carried out. The inspections have been made by duly authorised officers of this Department.