asked the Minister for Local Government when applications for rural improvement schemes will be accepted, as much useful drainage work and road work could be carried out if such schemes were in operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Improvement Schemes.
20.
Arrangements are proceeding for the implementation of the new scheme of grants to be administered by the county councils and an announcement will be made in due course as to when new applications will be accepted under that scheme. Sufficient old applications are in hands at present to complete this year's programme of works.
(Cavan): Is it not a fact that applications under this scheme were suspended as far back as August, 1965, and that none has been accepted since? Does the Minister not think that that is a very unreasonable delay? Is he further aware that his Department took over this scheme at least six months ago and that he has done nothing at all to get the scheme going, so far as the public is aware, since he took it over? Would he now consider doing something to get this worthwhile scheme into action again, in view of the fact that there must be a waiting list of thousands of applicants?
I explained in reply to a question by Deputy Kitt on 15th June, 1967, the new arrangements being made for the administration of this scheme. Due to the fact that the scheme was not in operation last year, there are sufficient applications in hands for this year's programme of works. There is no point in re-opening it at this stage.
(Cavan): Is the Minister seriously saying that sufficient applications were received prior to August, 1965 to keep his Department going for a further 12 months? Is that what the Minister is saying?
Yes.
(Cavan): The Minister should be ashamed of himself.
I have given the Deputy the answer twice.