asked the Minister for Local Government if he will restore the amenity scheme grants in 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amenity Scheme Grants.
8.
No statement can be made at this stage in regard to any particular aspect of the 1976 financial provisions.
Is the Minister aware of the public outcry, particularly from rural organisations, that followed his decision last year not to give any money for amenity grants? Is he not aware that every local authority and county council complained about the decision to discontinue this very desirable scheme? Some rural organisations had committed themselves to expenditure on the basis of these grants. After the lambasting the Minister received last year, would he not ensure that amenity grants are paid this year?
I got no lambasting and I am not aware of any public outcry.
Were there no complaints following the decision to discontinue those grants? If the Minister wishes I will let him have the minutes of the meeting of Carlow County Council in this regard.
Complaints were received from a number of local authorities and others but there was no widespread outcry. People should remember that priority schemes must get priority.
Is the Minister not aware that there was an outcry? Does he not know that a number of county councils had committed themselves to certain works on the basis of these grants being made available? Therefore, would the Minister not consider making some moneys available this year for this purpose?
Question No. 9.
Would the Minister agree that the provision of amenity grants would be more effective in creating work than the employment subsidy which has been a failure?
I would not agree because, for instance, the high rate of unemployment in Dublin would not be affected since the area would not qualify for any of these grants.
The same sort of mess was created during the term of office of the last Coalition.
I have called the next question.