asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make extra money available to provide work for smallholders in the congested areas and in the Gaeltacht, as they are extremely hard hit, and cannot maintain themselves and their families unless work is found for them and as employment on accommodation road schemes and drainage on an extensive scale is the answer to the problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment for Smallholders.
30.
I do not agree that the position is as stated by the Deputy. I would refer him to the reply given by the Taoiseach to Question No. 13 on 31st January, 1968, which described the comprehensive work being done by the Government for the development of employment and income in the 12 counties concerned.
I do not agree that an ad hoc programme of employment schemes of the kind referred to by the Deputy is the only answer to the problem of the western areas. On the contrary, to the extent to which such schemes drew funds away form the Government's comprehensive development programme for the West, they would be a deterrent to real progress.
The Government will continue to support proposals for accommodation and bog roads and minor drainage works which are worthwhile in themselves and likely to provide long-term benefits to landholders in the working of their holdings. The value of the schemes of this type authorised to-date this year in the 12 counties is £296,909, an increase of over £119,000 compared with last year. The amount of money available for this purpose next year has not yet been decided.