asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total amount in grants paid in respect of factories in Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal for each year since 1st January, 1964.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Industrial Grants.
70.
The total amount of grants paid in respect of industrial undertakings in these counties in the five financial years from the 1st April, 1964, was £782,904 for Monaghan, £607,457 for Cavan and £610,415 for Donegal.
The details for each of the five years are set out in a tabular statement which with your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Year |
Monaghan |
Cavan |
Donegal |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
|
|
1964-65 |
84,400 |
92,250 |
51,694 |
|
1965-66 |
34,500 |
62,200 |
153,000 |
|
1966-67 |
267,634 |
178,800 |
187,441 |
|
1967-68 |
201,190 |
120,804 |
71,500 |
|
1968-69 |
195,180 |
163,403 |
146,780 |
|
TOTALS |
782,904 |
607,457 |
610,415 |
71.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the types of factories in underdeveloped areas that are eligible for grants under the relevant Acts.
The existing industrial grants legislation enables An Foras Tionscal to make grants towards the cost of the establishment, maintenance or development of industry in the undeveloped areas. Applications for grants are examined in detail and to be eligible for consideration a project must meet these statutory criteria—
(i) that it is likely to provide or maintain employment in the area;
(ii) that financial assistance is necessary to ensure its establishment, maintenance or development; and
(iii) that it is of a reasonably permanent nature and will be carried on efficiently.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware the text of comprehensive legislation on industrial grants, including both new industry grants and re-equipment grants for modernisation, improvement and expansion, has now been circulated. If the Deputy requires any more detailed information about grants, the Industrial Development Authority will readily provide it.
I am satisfied with what the Minister says but I should like to ask if a factory established to manufacture or process agricultural products qualifies in the same way as any other type of factory, or are there special ties to a factory pertaining to the agricultural side of the business?
I am not aware that there are but, as the Minister's reply says, if the Deputy requires any more detailed information the IDA will be glad to provide it.