asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he intends to hand over to AnCO the administration of technical assistance grants, which are at present dealt with by his Department; and, if so, when.
38.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - AnCO.
37.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether his Department have paid any grants to firms who have availed of courses run by AnCO; and whether he intends to pay grants for such courses.
39.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether the course fee charged by AnCO includes the cost of accommodation during the course; and, if not, if his Department will pay 50 per cent of the course fee and 50 per cent of the expenses of accommodation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 to 39 together.
Under my Department's technical assistance scheme grants are payable to agriculture-based industries and firms towards the cost of attendance at staff training courses, including those organised or approved by AnCO. These grants normally represent up to 50 per cent of the course fee, together with an appropriate allowance for accommodation if this is not included in the fee. Corresponding grants are payable by AnCO in respect of staff training for non-agriculture based industries.
In the interests of uniformity, arrangements are being made to transfer to AnCO from my Department the responsibility for this type of grant. It is expected that the new system will operate from 1st July, 1971.