asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that many areas of the west, particularly those bordering on official Gaeltacht areas, are discriminated against in relation to assistance for improvements in infrastructural facilities in the area of roads, houses, etc.; and if he has any proposals to improve this situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Infrastructural Facilities.
27.
Gaeltacht areas receive specially favourable treatment in respect of new house and house improvement grants, local authority house purchase and improvement loans, roads and sanitary services. Certain non-Gaeltacht islands off the west coast are also favoured as regards new house and house improvement grants and loans. It is not correct to suggest that areas bordering on Gaeltacht areas are discriminated against in regard to assistance for infrastructural facilities relative to any other non-Gaeltacht areas of the country and consequently the question of altering the present arrangements does not arise.
Does the Minister agree that there is a significant difference in the level of facilities provided in regions bordering official Gaeltacht areas? Does he consider it is just that, because an incentive is offered to retain the language, a higher level of grant should be given in the official Gaeltacht areas than in the areas bordering the official Gaeltacht areas where the geography of the terrain is exactly the same?
In the Gaeltacht areas a higher rate of grant is given especially for new house and house improvement grants and loans in order to make life easier and to encourage people to live in those areas. I do not think they are discriminated against in any way.
For instance, in the Ballycroy area in Mayo, which is not in the Gaeltacht, there is a very significant difference in the road structures as against those in the Gaeltacht areas officially bordering it. That is entirely due to the level of assistance given for carrying out improvements within the Gaeltacht area. Does he think it is fair that that should be so because of the incentive given to retain the language?
We cannot make the whole country a Gaeltacht area. Specific conditions are laid down to qualify as a Gaeltacht area. I understand those areas are looked at occasionally and then the Gaeltacht areas are determined. How far would the Deputy suggest we should expand those areas?
Would the Minister agree that in many areas classified as official Gaeltacht areas the level of the language spoken is minimal indeed?
I do not agree.
Deputy White with a final supplementary.
Does the Minister intend to increase the grant in the areas Deputy Kenny is talking about? Will the £1,000 housing grant be increased?
In the Gaeltacht areas?
Outside the Gaeltacht areas.
That refers to——
I know exactly what it refers to. Does the Minister intend to increase the grant outside the Gaeltacht area?
That has nothing to do with this question.
Does he or does he not?
That is not the question.
Does the Minister intend to increase the grant?