asked the Minister for Finance if it is a fact that no moneys are at present available for payment of rural improvement scheme grants; and, if so, if he will make the necessary moneys available forthwith.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Improvement Scheme Grants.
43.
It is not a fact that no moneys are at present available for payment of grants under the Rural Improvements Scheme.
The 1963-64 provision for the Rural Improvements Scheme is £225,000, the same as in 1962-63. The allocation for new schemes is, however, being limited to £200,000 so as to make allowance for the large carry-forward, £58,000, at 1st April, 1963, of unexpended grants on past schemes.
The amount of new schemes actually sanctioned to date is £193,306 and the balance of £6,694 is being kept in reserve to deal with especially urgent cases that may arise between now and 31st March, 1964. All new offers of grants are being issued on the understanding that, even if the contribution is lodged immediately, commencement of the work must be deferred until after 1st April, 1964.