I move:
That a sum not exceeding £17,330,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1969, for Grants to Local Authorities in Relief of Rates on Agricultural Land.
Supplementary Estimate, 1968-69. - Vote 14—Agricultural Grants.
I am disappointed to see that the amount provided for employment allowances has decreased. The time has come when the Minister should seriously consider changing the amount of that allowance. A sum of £17 at present is quite unrealistic, in view of present day costs if it is to act as an incentive and that was the reason why it was introduced.
I appreciate the point, but the Deputy will recall there was a change proposed in the Budget in this regard, not in the amount of the allowance, but the valuation limit of the employer has been increased from £5 to £15.
It will not make any difference in Kildare; I do not know about elsewhere. We shall see when the Appropriation Accounts come out how much actual decrease there is in the third column of this Estimate.
Vote put and agreed to.