asked the Minister for Local Government if local improvements scheme grants and county and main road grants will be increased when this country enters the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Road Grants.
156.
I am not in a position to forecast to what extent the level of future grants for roads will be affected by entry into the EEC. The possibility that works of the kind now carried out under the local improvements scheme would be eligible for assistance under the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund is being examined.
(Cavan): The Minister knows I am particularly interested in this because it affects my constituency very much.
And mine.
(Cavan): Would the Minister use his influence to claim and demand and get money from some place to increase these grants so that the backlog, which in my constituency goes back to 1969, may be cleared up?
It would be fairer if the Deputy complimented the Minister on the substantial increases in this scheme over the last two years. He is very reluctant to give any credit at all.
(Cavan): I am glad the Minister has partially restored the drastic cut which he effected this year. He reduced the grant, first of all, from £82,000——
It is the end product that matters.
(Cavan):——in Cavan to £37,000. Admittedly he undid that and jacked it up a bit.
Over the two year period it has been increased. It has been referred to as a miracle.
By whom? The Minister himself?