asked the Minister for Local Government if in view of the heavy rainfall and the high rate of unemployment in rural areas it is proposed to reintroduce the Local Authorities (Works) Act grants forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities (Works) Act Grants.
16.
It is not so proposed.
Is the Minister aware of the heavy rural unemployment that exists?
I have answered the Question to the point which is really at issue here, that is, that it is not proposed to reintroduce grants under the Local Authorities (Works) Act.
The Question refers to the fact of its being necessary due to rural unemployment. Is the Minister aware of this rural unemployment?
I am still saying that what the Deputy has requested me to do is contingent on the first part of his Question and, despite the suggestion of that contingency, my reply is that it is not proposed to reintroduce these grants.
Is the Minister aware that, in consequence of this year's rainfall, various local authorities have had to make special grants for the repair of roads affected by flooding in consequence of the curtailment of the Local Authorities (Works) Act. Further, is he aware that he has the unanimous support of his Party's Ard Fheis which asked him to reimplement this scheme? The Minister gave an assurance in this House that he would favourably re-examine the question of these works. Further, is he aware that members of his Party contributed to unanimous resolutions of all local authorities seeking reintroduction of works under the Act?
I do not see how all that Deputy O'Sullivan has raised arises on the simple answer that I have given, that it is not proposed to reintroduce forthwith grants under the Local Authorities (Works) Act.
Notwithstanding the Minister's promise?
The Minister keeps his promises which is more than can be said of others.
Can the Minister not recollect the promise he made in the December debate a year ago in this House?