asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the amount of money which was made available for harbour development in each of the years 1972, 1973 and 1974; and the amount spent.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Harbour Development.
8.
As the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in respect of calendar years, I am furnishing it for the financial years 1971-72, 1972-73, 1973-74 and for the period 1st April, 1974 to 31st December, 1974. The information is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:
|
Financial Year |
Provision |
Expenditure |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
1971-72 |
600,000 |
206,038 |
|
1972-73 |
650,000 |
560,500 |
|
1973-74 |
670,000 |
465,000 |
|
1974 (9 months) |
640,000 |
555,250 |
If the money allocated for Ballyglass this year is not spent what is going to happen to it?
It will be spent next year. Since taking office I have ensured that moneys allocated will be spent.
The Parliamentary Secretary has made strong statements about money allocated in previous years not being spent. It seems likely this will happen at Ballyglass. The work has not commenced.
When I became Parliamentary Secretary I found that a great deal of money approved in the Dáil was not spent. Consequently the money could not be carried to the following year and the works fell through. Having taken cognisance of that fact I discussed the position and Deputy Kenny, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance, was asked to ensure that so far as harbour development works were concerned all moneys would be usefully and gainfully expended.
Is there not a programme of works made out for the years ahead?
There is an annual programme. I like flexibility. I would like to have money in hands for smaller works following representations by local authorities or Deputies. I would like to have money in hand and I try to get it from the Exchequer. I look for money which is not earmarked for anything in particular but is there to meet contingencies which arise.
Has the planned programme proceeded according to plan?
It has done very well this year.