asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (a) the number of local development companies to which grants have been made by An Bord Fáilte towards the expenses of their formation and (b) the amount and the number of loans guaranteed by An Bord Fáilte under Part III of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1952.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - An Bord Fáilte: Grants and Loans.
As regards the first part of the question, I am informed by An Bord Fáilte that grants have been made to 14 local development companies under Section 6 of the Tourist Traffic Act, 1952, towards the expenses of their formation.
With regard to the second part of the question, guarantees have already been given for 11 loans amounting to £73,842 and I have indicated my willingness to give guarantees as soon as legal formalities are concluded in 13 other cases involving a further sum of £101,600.