asked the Minister for Agriculture how many applications have been received by his Department for grain storage grants for this harvest; and how many have been approved.
15.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grain Storage Grants.
14.
asked the Minister for Agriculture what procedure he adopts in the selection of applicants for grain-drying and storage grants.
16.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that generous grants for grain-drying and storage are being abused by people availing themselves of them who are not grain merchants, and who have no intention of drying or storing grain when they qualify for those grants; and whether he will take steps to prevent this abuse.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 14, 15 and 16 together.
Each application for a grant is examined by experienced technical officers of my Department who satisfy themselves from their first-hand knowledge that it is sound and genuine before recommending a grant. I am not aware of any abuses, but, if Deputy Sheridan thinks he knows of any and supplies me with the requisite information, I shall be glad to investigate the matter fully.
It is a condition of the scheme that all applications for grants must be accompanied by plans and specifications prepared by a qualified architect and engineer, who must subsequently certify that the storage accommodation provided is of sound and durable construction and suitable for storage of a stated quantity of grain.
A total of 191 applications was received, and up to today approvals have issued in 35 cases. The remainder will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Does a figure of 35 not seem rather small out of a total of 191 applications? With the harvest approaching, some of these people are anxious to have their plans approved before they start building.
It is necessary that they should, but after all, the applications were received up to 30th April and that is not very long ago.
Some of the farmers are rather worried that their applications are not being dealt with and they are afraid that they will not have their building work completed in time.
We are aware of all these fears and anxieties but we have the responsibility of vetting these and seeing that they are bona fide applications.