asked the Minister for Lands whether in view of the great importance of the destruction of vermin to the farming community of Roscommon and to all others interested he will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that financial assistance is given to the County Roscommon Regional Game Council.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Financial Assistance for Roscommon Game Council.
15.
I would refer the Deputy to my opening statement on the Lands Estimate for the general position regarding game preservation and vermin control.
The Minister for Lands has no function in the allocation of financial assistance to the regional game councils.
In view of the fact that in answer to a previous question in this House, the Minister professed great interest in the destruction of vermin throughout rural Ireland, and offered his services to ensure that Bord Fáilte would honour their promises, will he say when the regional game councils throughout the country may expect to get the allocation which they were promised by officials of Bord Fáilte?
I can only say that the information at my disposal is that a certain allocation has been made to Bord Fáilte for regional game councils in general. The administration of that allocation is a matter for Bord Fáilte, and I understand that this very week, I think, they are sending out that allocation.
In view of the fact that in the past two days a number of the regional game councils have received what I might describe as an instalment of the amount due, may I take it that the remainder will soon be available?
I have to say that I have no responsibility for Bord Fáilte with regard to the allocation of their funds.
May I put it this way? In view of the fact that Bord Fáilte were the body responsible for making promises to the regional game councils, and the fact that the Minister himself is now the authority to whom these game councils look for succour and help, will he use his good offices with his colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, to ensure that the outstanding portion of the money, which they were promised, is paid?
Why does the Deputy not ask me those questions?
I have nothing further to add.