asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any proposals have yet been transmitted to the United States authorities in regard to the utilisation of E.C.A. Grant Counterpart Fund; and, if so, whether he is in a position to indicate the nature of the proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - E.C.A. Grant Counterpart Fund.
Proposals for the utilisation of moneys in the Grant Counterpart Special Account for the following projects and purposes were sent on the 4th June, 1952, to the American Ambassador for transmission to the United States authorities:—
1. Grants towards the purchase by creameries and cream separating stations of equipment for the pasteurisation of separated milk and the sterilisation of milk containers.
2. Grants towards the provision of cold storage and quick-freezing facilities for poultry, rabbits and eggs.
3. Grants for the purchase of equipment for the production and cooking of potatoes.
4. Grants to assist Muintir na Tire, Macra na Feirme and the Irish Countrywoman's Association.
5. Improvement of public roads serving important bogs and coal mines.
6. The provision of additional laboratories and equipment for the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
7. The establishment of a company for the production of grass meal on bogland in County Mayo.
8. Grants towards the payment of interest on State guaranteed loans for tourist development purposes.
9. The establishment of a fund for defraying in whole or in part the cost of technical assistance projects.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that the Government has abandoned the proposal of the previous Government for the utilisation of part of these funds in regard to an agricultural institute?
No.