asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received representations from the Limerick County Council in regard to the revival of the Local Authorities (Works) Act; and whether, in view of the measure of employment that works under the Act would provide for unemployed road workers in rural areas, and the benefit that would result to the farming community, he will consider favourably its revival.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities (Works) Act.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider the allocation of a grant under the Local Authorities (Works) Act for the cleaning of rivers in County Cork which are flooding thousands of acres of good land.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in view of the immense advantages accruing to farmers and workers from Local Authority (Works) Act schemes, he will reconsider his decision suspending the operation of the Act during the current year.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 75 and 76 together.
As I indicated when introducing the Estimate for my Department, it is not proposed to allocate new grants to local authorities for schemes under the Local Authorities (Works) Act in the present financial year.
Would the Minister agree that it would be more important to the economy of the country to have these small schemes carried out rather than spend all the money on the main roads?
This is what you voted for when you voted them into office.
I am afraid that question could not be answered with "yes" or "no" at question time.
Would the Minister say whether this Act will operate in the coming year? This is most important so far as farmers and workers are concerned. Could we have some assurance from the Minister as many people are anxious to know what is likely to happen next year?
My Estimates for this year have been before the House and have been approved. I cannot tell the Deputy what the Estimates may contain in the next financial year.