asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that, because of the inadequacy of the grants paid by his Department and the Dublin Corporation, the Richmond National Institution for the Blind is holding an extraordinary general meeting on 3rd December, 1954, for the purpose of recommending the closing down of its premises; and whether, in view of the hardship, which will be imposed on the families of 40 blind persons, if the activities of the institute should cease, he will arrange to have the total grant payable by his Department and the Dublin Corporation increased to £5,000 and thus enable the institute to continue its activities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants to Richmond Institution.
I have seen a notice in the Press calling an extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Richmond National Institution for the Industrious Blind. I am not aware of any proposal that the activities of the institution should cease.
The grants paid to this institution are the same as those paid to similar institutions, with the addition of special capitation grants in respect of out-resident workers. I am not satisfied that the institution's difficulties are the result of inadequacy of the grants.
Is the Minister aware that if he would give an increased grant of £2,500, the corporation would give a similar grant so that the institution would be saved and permitted to continue its good work and hold their very valuable showrooms in O'Connell Street?
I am not so aware because when I saw a deputation from the institution I pointed out to them that the primary responsibility for this institution rested with the Dublin Corporation. I undertook to have the corporation discuss the problem, which I understand they did. They communicated with me and they did not recommend that increased grants be given. If the Dublin Corporation make a recommendation in favour of an increased grant to the institution, I will have it sympathetically considered. They have not done that so far.
Will the Minister give a proportionate grant as all the grants are on a 50-50 basis?
I will await proposals from the Dublin Corporation.
The extraordinary general meeting of the institution has been called for to-morrow night. In view of the urgency of the matter and with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I wish to raise this question on the Adjournment in order to elicit a little further information.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
Would the Minister indicate the attitude of his Department in the unfortunate event of this institution having to close down and the corporation proposing to take over the institution and run it as a workshop for the blind? Would the Minister be prepared to pass the grant over or give a further grant to the corporation to assist the corporation in running a workshop of that nature?
That is a separate question.
Although it is another question, I would like to remind both Deputies that if the institution decides to dispose of the premises it does not necessarily mean to say that the activities of the institution will cease.