asked the Minister for Finance if he is now in a position to state definitely the new regulations governing the allocation of grants under the rural improvements scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improvement Scheme Grants.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will now state the revised scale of grants under the rural improvements scheme.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
Instead of the uniform rate of 75 per cent., which has hitherto been the contribution of the State, the following sliding scale related to the average poor law valuation of the farms of the beneficiaries, is being introduced:—
Average poor law valuation less than £6, State contribution, 95 per cent.; £6 or below £7, 92 per cent.; £7 or below £9, 89 per cent.; £9 or below £12, 85 per cent.; £12 or below £18, 80 per cent. In all these cases if the number of beneficiaries is seven or more, the percentage of State contribution is reduced by two.
If the average poor law valuation is £18 or over the State contribution of 75 per cent. remains unaltered.
Provision has also been made to deal on a more liberal basis with cases of exceptional hardship or necessity, if such should arise, and on the merits of each case. Otherwise the original terms of the scheme are not affected.