asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the magnitude and usefulness of the works being done throughout the country under the farm improvement scheme and of the large numbers of farmers whose applications have been refused in the past (over 3,000 in the January, 1945-June, 1945, period), he will consider the desirability of having the present grant for his Department, under that scheme, increased by such a sum as will meet the requirements of all those applicants who are solicitous to improve their homes, out-offices, etc.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Improvement Scheme.
The funds at present allocated in the Special Emergency Schemes Vote for the Farm Improvements Scheme are very considerable and are about as much as can be efficiently managed with the administrative machinery, including staffs, available. The facilities now provided are, I consider, reasonably sufficient for the purpose in view. The only eligible applicants whose applications have so far been refused in the non-congested areas are those whose applications were received late and these will have an opportunity of applying again later on. I am not prepared, therefore, to seek for any material increase at the present time in the funds provided for the scheme.