asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will extend the rates of farm building grants obtaining in the pilot areas to the 12 western counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farm Building Grants.
39.
An extension of the special rates of grant operative in the pilot areas is not contemplated at present. A comprehensive review of the pilot area development programme is currently being carried out.
When I asked Deputy Blaney a similar question some years ago he more or less implied that he had in mind the extension of the farm building grants in the pilot areas to the 12 western counties.
This is in keeping with his reply. The scheme has been carried out in pilot areas for five years now. It is being comprehensively reviewed at the present time and consideration will be given to extending it.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the extension of the farm building grants obtainable in the pilot areas would be of great advantage to the 12 western counties? Obviously it would enable farmers to go ahead with work which they otherwise could not do. Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider keeping the matter under close review?
This is being done at the present time.