asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state the proposals submitted for the utilisation of the Grant Aid Counterpart Fund and whether he is aware they will be submitted to Congress for approval; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant Aid Counterpart Fund.
On the 18th February, 1953, I gave the Dáil a list of ten proposals for the utilisation of moneys in the Grant Counterpart Special Account, which, at that date, had been presented to the American Embassy for transmission to the United States of America authorities. Early in March two further proposals, namely, the provision of an agricultural institute and a scheme for the subsidisation of the delivery costs of ground limestone, were submitted to the American authorities. These 12 proposals account for £5.5 million of the total sum of approximately £6,142,000 now standing to the credit of the special account. As regards the balance of £642,000, which is approximately 10 per cent. of the total, it was proposed that it should be held as a reserve to be applied to such one or more of the specific projects already submitted, as might subsequently appear desirable. I understand that all the proposals are under active consideration by the American authorities.
The utilisation of the moneys in the Grant Counterpart Special Account requires the approval of the United States Congress, but I am not in a position to indicate when the proposals which have been put forward will come before Congress.
Could the Minister conveniently say what sum has been submitted for the subsidisation of lime transport?
I have not got the figure with me.
Perhaps the Minister would find it convenient at some later time to let me know?
Yes.