asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health what amount of the grant towards relief of unemployment was allotted to his Department for water and sewage schemes, and what portion of this sum has been availed of by the various local authorities.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WATER AND SEWAGE SCHEMES.
No specific amount of the grant for the relief of unemployment has been allotted towards work on water supply and sewerage schemes. In considering applications from local authorities for grants towards public utility works preference has been given to waterworks and sewerage schemes which could be commenced in sufficient time to admit of expenditure before the close of the financial year. The total sum sanctioned for water and sewerage schemes is approximately £37,000.
Will the Minister state what portion of that £37,000 was availed of by the local authorities?
I cannot say. There are probably quite a number of cases in which the local authorities have not yet made up their minds whether they are to accept the grants or not.
If the local authorities have not made up their minds before the 31st March, what will become of the unexpended portion of this £37,000?
That will be a matter for the Minister for Finance.