asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will seek finance to provide for approved schemes under the land improvement scheme, which are now postponed for want of money.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Improvement Schemes.
I am aware that a number of applications for grants under this season's Farm Improvements Scheme has been received in addition to the applications accepted, which are estimated to absorb all the funds at the moment available. I am considering the question of the provision of increased funds for this scheme. The provision of extra funds, however, does not in itself solve the problem. Considerable difficulty is presented by organisation problems, including the provision of adequate staff of a suitable kind for the working of a scheme of increased dimensions.
Is the Minister aware that at the present moment large crowds of young men are collecting the dole at rural dole centres? A considerable number of schemes have been submitted to the Minister and have been postponed on the ground that there is no money to finance them, whether they are desirable or not. In view of these facts, is it not manifest that it would be infinitely better to find the money required to put these lads who are drawing the dole at useful drainage work, whatever the difficulities, than to have them in their present position?
If possible, it will be done.
And, if possible, you will get the extra money?
Yes.
So that anybody who was turned down for lack of funds should apply again?
Their applications are still there, and they need not apply again.
When do you think the money will be available?
The question of staff is also involved. I hope to deal with some, though not with all, of those who have been notified that they could not be dealt with this year.
The Minister is aware to the fact that some of those lads who are drawing the dole will go to England if some employment is not provided for them and that, when wanted for the harvest, they will not be here.
What is the limit of expenditure at present?
It depends on the valuation.
Is any definite sum voted for these schemes?
The total amount allocated for this year is £250,000.