asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that due to the fact that no further grants will be made under the local authorities amenity grants scheme, finance to support the building of youth and community centres is no longer available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amenity Grant.
10.
While it was not possible, because of the necessity to make increased provision for priority services such as housing, sanitary services and the phasing out of the cost to ratepayers of the health services and housing subsidies, to make any new grant allocations under the amenity grants scheme for the current year, it is, of course, open to local authorities, using their own funds, to continue carrying out or assisting voluntary groups in the carrying out of amenity works including the building of youth and community centres. The ability of local authorities to finance such works from their own funds has been strengthened by the very great increase in assistance to them.
Can the Minister say if it will be his Department's intention to introduce the amenity grants scheme next year?
It is my intention to have it reintroduced as soon as it is possible to do so.
How soon will that be? Many schemes are being held up at present.
Which need not be held up because the local authorities themselves can make money available, if they want.
Is the Minister aware of a recent statement which indicated that the number of amenity grants paid in Northern Ireland is ten times that being paid by our Government? Would that not spur him to do something this year rather than wait until next year?
I am not aware of that and I am surprised Deputy Cunningham did not find that out a couple of years ago.
We did.
Does the Minister consider it reasonable to ask a local authority such as that in my constituency where we have a rate of £9.80 to provide money for amenities?
But for the change of Government it would be £13.80.
Think of a number and double it.