asked the Minister for Finance if he received an application about six months ago for a grant under the rural improvement schemes from Mr. Patrick Donegan, Kilcappa, Cloneygowan, Tullamore, County Offaly in respect of repairs to Kilcappa lane, which is in a very bad state of repair; if an inspection has been made to date; and what steps will now be taken to have this application fully considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Repair of Kilcappa (Offaly) Lane.
9.
The application was received on 8th May, 1962, and is awaiting inspection. Because of shortage of staff there is unavoidable delay in making inspections but the case will be attended to as soon as possible.
In view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary is not in the House, will the Minister say what steps he or his Parliamentary Secretary is taking to ensure that there will be sufficient staff to cope with the number of applications under rural improvement schemes? Does the Miniister not consider that it is unreasonable that there should be a lapse of six months between application and inspection? Further, is it not a fact that as the application was made for a grant for this road six months ago, the road is now in a much worse state of disrepair than it was at the time the application was made?
They have been dealing with quite a number of applications.
Can the Minister say if it is usual that there should be a delay of six months to a year in the case of an application for a rural improvement scheme, before inspection is carried out?
No, it is not usual.
Can the Minister say if this is the only case?
No, I would not say that.
That is a separate question.
It was two years in 1956.