asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will consider giving grants under the farm buildings improvements scheme to those farmers who have their own building materials.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grants for Farmers with Building Materials.
In the allocation of grants under the farm buildings scheme, I do not intend to discriminate between farmers who have been fortunate enough to secure building materials and their less fortunately situated neighbours who have been unable to do so. Until adequate supplies of building requisites are readily available in all districts, it would be invidious to give preferential treatment to the limited number of applicants who have stocks of cement and timber on hands.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I ask the Minister whether he would not consider giving grants to those people who can build with stones and sand and lime. If he cannot consider those people this year would he consider the question of giving them grants next year?
I am sorry that there cannot be any question of giving grants in respect of buildings constructed before the scheme comes into operation. I can assure the Deputy that my colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce, and myself, are keeping a constant watch on the supply position with a view to putting this scheme into operation at the earliest possible moment. I have no doubt whatever that the exertions of the Minister for Industry and Commerce in seeking to make supplies available will ensure that the scheme will go into operation at the earliest possible moment.
The Minister for Finance will play the biggest part with the axe.
That is a very valuable opinion from Deputy Killilea.