asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism the average length of delay in the payment of (a) small industries grants and (b) re-equipment grants, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Industrial Grants.
23.
I am informed by the Industrial Development Authority that, in the case of an initial claim by a client company, grant payment is normally made within a period of six-eight weeks from the date on which the claim, duly certified by the company's auditors, is received; subsequent claims are usually paid within four-six weeks.
It is not possible to give specific information in respect of the small industries or re-equipment programmes; however new procedures were introduced during 1979 with the aim of reducing as far as possible the time involved in making grant payments to small industries.
Under the small industries programme in the mid-west, the Shannon Free Airport Development Company normally make grant payments within four-six weeks of an initial claim and three-five weeks where subsequent claims are concerned.