asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, notwithstanding the fact that, as stated by him in reply to a question of the 2nd June, 1949, grants are not payable for repairs under the farm buildings scheme unless the repairs conform to approved specifications drawn up so as to ensure that a good job is carried out in each case, he will consider authorising payments under the scheme in respect of improvements unwittingly started or completed without the prior inspection and approval of the inspector, in cases where an inspector can certify that a good job has been done.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Buildings Scheme.
I would refer the Deputy to the Minister's replies on the 2nd June last to Deputy John Flynn and the 24th June, 1948, to Deputy Thomas Harris in which the Minister's considered views in this matter were clearly set out. I have nothing to add to these replies.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the majority of the people would not have incurred this expenditure were they not confident they would have been reimbursed? In view of the fact that a number of these people who incurred this expenditure cannot afford it, would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider modifying the grants under this scheme in order to ensure that these people are reimbursed?
As the Deputy is probably aware, the conditions under which applicants are entitled to grants are laid down. If the applicant complied with the conditions as set out in the leaflet, this difficulty would not have arisen. In the circumstances, the Minister is not in a position to waive the conditions.