asked the Taoiseach whether he has received as yet any concrete proposals from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government concerning the setting up of new industries and the provision of employment in the Gaeltacht and the western seaboard areas; and, if so, whether he will state (a) the exact nature of the proposals so received and (b) the steps that are being taken to implement the proposals received.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposals for Gaeltacht.
asked the Taoiseach if he will state (1) whether the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government has yet completed his investigations into the conditions and requirements of neglected areas along the western seaboard; (2) if a report on such matters will be issued for the information of the Dáil; (3) whether any definite decisions have yet been reached as to an all-round or comprehensive scheme or schemes by which living conditions in those Gaeltacht areas may be improved; and, if so, the nature of those schemes; and (4) if such schemes have not yet been prepared when they are likely to be.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
A number of proposals have been submitted to the Government by the Parliamentary Secretary with a view to the social and economic development of the Gaeltacht and congested areas. These and other proposals are under active examination by the interdepartmental committee established to advise and assist the Parliamentary Secretary. There is no question of the Parliamentary Secretary making a final report to the Government at any stage. On the contrary, it is intended that the investigations which he is making into the conditions and requirements of the Gaeltacht and congested areas will be continuous. It would be premature at this stage to indicate the nature of the proposals which have been placed before the Government. Where these proposals are approved by the Government, any necessary legislation to give effect to them will be submitted to the Oireachtas. Where legislation is not considered necessary, administrative directions will be given for putting them into effect.
It should be appreciated, however, that the main function of the Parliamentary Secretary's office is to facilitate and co-ordinate measures by other Departments of particular interest to Gaeltacht and congested areas, for which the Ministers who have charge of those Departments will remain directly responsible and by whom any legislative or administrative measures which are deemed desirable will be initiated.
Is it not a fact that there have been several investigations of that kind carried out by different Governments in the course of the last 25 years? May I ask the Tánaiste if all the information necessary has not already been obtained long ago?
I would not agree.
In view of the fact that a Supplementary Estimate for Vote 72 — Oifig na Gaeltachta agus na gCeantar gCúng — is being introduced, would the Tánaiste say whether a comprehensive statement will be made, when that Estimate is being brought before the House, as to the approach of the Government to this matter?
I think that should be possible, but the Deputy can appreciate that there are a number of proposals which have been initiated by the Parliamentary Secretary upon which the Government has yet to take a final decision and no indication of the character of these proposals can usefully be given in advance of their acceptance by the Government.
Will these matters be referred to the Central Bank for consideration purposes?
Or to Clann na Poblachta.
Will the Tánaiste consider the advisability of the Government allocating a generous sum of money and placing it at the disposal of these Gaeltacht services to ensure that when the final decision has been taken, sufficient funds will be made available for the various schemes they have in mind?
The Deputy may be assured that any finances required to implement the proposals adopted will be provided.