asked the Minister for Finance if he will make grants available out of the western regional development fund to enable improvement works to be carried out to piers and harbours and to provide amenity schemes in Bere Island, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Improvement Works.
7.
As I stated in reply to a similar question from the Deputy in April, 1974 the Special Regional Development Fund exists to promote economic projects in western counties. The fund is used to finance such projects only when there is no other State scheme under which assistance can be provided. There are existing sources of Exchequer and local authority finance for landing places and amenities and it would not be appropriate, indeed it would be contrary to the recommendation of the all-party Public Accounts Committee, to make an allocation for the purpose from the Special Regional Development Fund.
Is the Minister aware that there are not funds available to Cork County Council to carry out improvements to the piers and harbours on the island, and that there is not sufficient money available to the Office of Public Works to enable them carry out even a survey on the island. In view of the fact that the Government made no money available for amenity schemes this year, the obvious source for money with which to develop the amenities, piers and harbours of Bere Island is out of the western regional development fund.
The Minister clearly states in his reply that it would be contrary to the recommendation of the all-party Public Accounts Committee to do this.
Would the Minister say in what respect it would be contrary to the aims of the fund?
I cannot give the Deputy that information. But that is what is stated in the Minister's reply.
Would the Minister confirm or deny rumours that there is no money left in this fund now?
In which fund?
In the western regional development fund.
It speaks well that the money has been spent.
They did not even get it yet.
Before Deputy J. O'Leary takes over Bere Island—I happen to be in possession at present —was there money provided for piers and slipways on Bere Island in the past ten years? What money was provided, or has it been spent?
All I can say to the Deputy is that I have not the information he is seeking but it is an interesting question.
I want to say that——
A question, please, Deputy.
The position there as regards the shipment of cattle from the island is very bad and has been for a number of years past. I would ask the Minister to take steps to ensure that the piers and slipways are improved, and that some money be provided by the Government for so doing.
I must say that Deputy O'Sullivan has failed them there. Might I ask the Minister if he could name the other sources he mentioned in his reply? From which funds could moneys be made available for the provision of landing places and amenities?
There is money provided in every year's Estimates for the development of harbours. Evidently it just was not provided in the present year.
Question No. 8.
Could the Minister state the other sources referred to in his reply?
That is the source.
From which funds can moneys be provided for landing places? I did not say harbours.
That is the same thing.
Could the Minister indicate the sources referred to in his reply?
We are having repetition.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The Minister has stated the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
And Transport and Power.
I have a similar case to that of Deputy O'Leary's and the Minister's Department have informed me that they have no funds and no responsibility in this matter.
In the present year, no.
And have referred me to the western regional development fund.
The reality is that there is no money anywhere.