asked the Minister for Finance whether a grant from the National Development Fund has been allocated towards the provision of protective works at Rosslare Village, County Wexford, and whether the work will commence at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare Protective Works.
A grant out of the National Development Fund has not been allocated for protective works at Rosslare Village.
Is it the intention of the Minister to make a grant available?
The Deputy is aware that this is a very thorny problem which has been considered over a long number of years and is still being considered.
Is the Minister aware that the problem has now reached a crisis? Something needs to be done and done immediately. I want to emphasise that. It is a serious matter in relation to the homes of at least 1,000 people and it is estimated that next November these homes will be swept away.
The Deputy is, I am sure, much more aware than I am of the long number of years during which this was under consideration by the Wexford County Council.
Is the Minister——
If the Deputy wants an answer he will get one. If he does not want an answer, that is O.K. with me. It was only quite recently any proposition was put forward.
I want to point out for the Minister's information that the Wexford County Council have no legal responsibility whatever for the matter and, further, that if anything happens there it is the Government's responsibility and the Government must carry their responsibility.
What about the Government over a period of 20 years?
Arising from Deputy Allen's last supplementary or rather from his statement——
The Minister has made a statement himself.
But am I not the person who is asked for the reply? The Deputy asks a question and on that question might I inform the House that the reason why I mentioned Wexford County Council was that the previous Government's circular dealing with the National Development Fund for foreshore protection specifically mentioned cases for which local authorities were responsible.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle——
Question No. 43.
I wish to make it known that I want to raise the subject-matter of this question on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy in the course of the evening.