asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will indicate the present position regarding the use of the grant still remaining unused in the Counterpart Fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Counterpart Fund Position.
In replies to questions on the 18th February and 23rd April, 1953, the Dáil was informed of 12 projects for the utilisation of the funds in the American Grant Counterpart Special Account, which had been proposed to the American authorities. These 12 proposals, together with a reserve fund, were designed to absorb the entire sum of approximately £6,142,000 in the account. The draft of an agreement between the Irish and American Governments to govern the disposition of the funds on the basis indicated was initialled last August. Since then, however, certain modifications of the proposals have been agreed upon in order to meet the views subsequently expressed on the American side, particularly in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a result of these modifications, the projects are now as follows:—
1. Grants towards the purchase by creameries and cream separating stations of equipment for the pasteurisation of separated milk and the sterilisation of milk containers.
2. Grants to assist Muintir na Tíre, Macra na Feirme and the Irish Countrywomen's Association.
3. The provision of additional laboratories and equipment for the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
4. The establishment of a fund for defraying in whole or in part the cost of technical assistance projects.
5. The provision of a regional scheme for the eradication of tubercular cattle in County Clare.
6. The provision of an agricultural institute.
7. The provision of a scheme for the subsidisation of the delivery cost of ground limestone.
8. The establishment of an educational exchange programme.
These projects are expected to absorb about £5.8 million of Grant Counterpart Funds. The balance of approximately £340,000 will be held as a reserve fund from which moneys will be applicable to any of the foregoing or similar projects as may be necessary.
In view of the modifications which have taken place in the proposals originally submitted to the American authorities, it has proved necessary to revise the agreement initialled last August and a new agreement was signed on the 17th of this month. I understand that the American Government hope to obtain the approval of both Houses of Congress for this agreement before Congress adjourns in a few weeks' time. Once the approval of Congress has been obtained, action to implement the projects can proceed.