asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state in expansion of paragraph 74 of the Capital Budget, 1966 the bogs affected by the deferment of capital expenditure on bog development; and the allocation postponed in each case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Development.
1.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that the actual outturn for expenditure on capital works in 1965/66 is now estimated at £.98 million, a reduction of £.42 million on the original provision of £1.4 million. Of this £.12 million is accounted for by planned deferment of works at Garryduff bog and £.3 million by the inability of the Board, due to adverse weather conditions, to carry out works, mainly at Mountdillon, at Garryduff and to a lesser extent at Coolnamona.
The Board cannot readily provide precise figures in respect of the shortfall on expected expenditure in respect of the individual bogs.
Is the Minister aware that the Board are short of money, and would he consider extending the same facilities to them as are extended to other semi-State companies?
The capital programme being provided for this year will ensure the continuance of some development of bogs. The long-term programme is to make use of all our available turf resources for the production of electricity and for the sale of briquettes. It is inevitable that sometimes there may be a slight reduction in the rate of development for a particular year, but that does not imply that policy in regard to the Board has been changed.
Surely the Minister is aware that because of the regulations laid down in regard to the refund of capital and the payment of interest by Bord na Móna, which are entirely different from that of a number of other State companies, unemployment was created during the year, and if there is another bad season this year, Bord na Móna will be in a very serious position? Will the Minister agree to have another look at the situation?
It is not the intention of the Government to alter the methods by which State companies repay interest and capital. In the case of Bord na Móna, if the method were altered, it would result in the Government receiving less revenue and having to deprive other capital development of the necessary funds. It would be entirely wrong, in my view, to alter the methods by which these companies repay their interest and capital.
Does the Minister not think it unfair that such a company as Bord na Móna which has made such tremendous efforts, and given such service to the State through employment and production, should be put in a worse position with regard to capital and the repayment of capital and interest than other companies which give far less return for the money expended?
I would not agree with the Deputy's statement.
We will have to have a debate on it some time.