asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the fact that the administration of the ground limestone scheme needs overhauling as a result of certain abuses which have arisen; and, if so, what action he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Limestone Scheme.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy.
May I ask the Minister is he not aware of the fact that the ground limestone subsidy has been paid by his Department for ground limestone which was never delivered to the farming community concerned?
I am aware from time to time of serious allegations, not only in this matter but in relation to a number of other matters, and when such allegations reach me, so long as I am satisfied they are sufficiently serious to warrant investigation, such a course is always taken. That course has been taken in the case about which the Deputy speaks and it is now in the hands of the Garda.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that the investigation concerned will include an investigation into the C.I.E. establishment which has responsibility for this subsidy? Will the investigation include C.I.E., as well as the particular supplier of the limestone concerned and the ground limestone department as well?
I have no means of directing those whose responsibility it is to conduct this investigation as to the scope of the investigation.
Is the Minister aware that this very serious matter was reported on 20th October to C.I.E., to the police and to the Department of Agriculture and that no action has been taken so far in connection with the matter, which includes a serious charge of the misuse of C.I.E. trucks, the fact that ground limestone subsidy was paid on large quantities of limestone——
The Deputy is now making a speech rather than asking a question.
——the fact that dockets were forged in connection with the supply of ground limestone——
Question No. 14.
——and that the gentleman concerned hails from County Cavan?
Question No. 14.
Surely it is not for me to say at any time what the extent is of any investigation being conducted by the police force?
I am calling Question No. 14.