asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that considerable delay has taken place in dealing with applications for grants under the rural improvements scheme and, if so, if he will take steps to provide increased staff in order that such applications shall be dealt with promptly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Improvement Grants.
I am aware that owing to the increased popularity of the rural improvements scheme since the introduction of lower rates of local contribution in 1950, there has been a very considerable increase in the number of applications received and, because of this increase, there is delay in dealing with the applications. The difficulties in this respect have been aggravated by unavoidable delay in filling vacancies in the inspectorate staff. I should add that the full provision for the scheme in the current financial year has been exhausted and that the number of applications in hands is more than sufficient to provide the programme of work for the coming financial year. It is only right, therefore, that the applicants generally should realise that some delay is unavoidable and that each must await his turn. As far as possible applications are dealt with in order of receipt.