asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount of money spent on the glasshouse industry for the year ended 31st March, 1968; and how it was spent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Expenditure on Glasshouse Industry.
12.
I assume that the question relates to payments by my Department to applicants under the Scheme of Grants for Glasshouse Nurseries. The amount so paid in the year ended 31st March, 1968, was £156,820. The grants covered the erection of 25 acres of glasshouses, the installation of heating systems in 20 acres of glasshouses and the provision of ancillary buildings and equipment.
Why does the Parliamentary Secretary think the question relates to glasshouse nurseries? Is it not the glasshouse industry which exists in Donegal and Connemara? I do not know whether there are grants for the industry elsewhere.
The recommendations of the survey team were published in 1967 and following that report, the grants were increased. I started the answer to the question by saying: "I assume". There was not any real detail as to the specific information being requested and I had to assume it was in relation to the recommendations and findings of the survey team. I assumed the question was based on those recommendations and the action of the Government in following up the recommendations.
What are glasshouse nurseries?
They are part and parcel of the industry on foot of which most of the money spent in the Department is paid.
I thought this question referred to the glasshouse industry established and subsidised in Donegal and Connemara—tomato growing.
The grants available apply all over the country, not to any specified area.
I do not even know what a glasshouse nursery is.
It can take many forms. Generally speaking, it is tomato growing as the main crop, but it also includes the growing of bulbs and flowers.
What money is being spent to replace the glass which is broken in so many frames?
That is a separate question.
I do not think it is.
I can give some information on that: other buildings and services; approval 59 cases, acreage involving a total of £15,500 spent on this type of work which I am sure will cover replacement.
It would not cover it, by any means.