asked the Minister for Social Welfare the amount received from EEC funds by the National Committee for Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty since it was established in May 1974; and how this money was disbursed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Fund Disbursements.
29.
The National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty have not yet received any moneys from EEC funds. Discussions concerning the arrangements for signature of a contract in the matter and for the transfer of appropriate funds have, however, reached an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter shortly.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary any idea of the amount of money the EEC would be giving? It is an important matter.
I appreciate that, Deputy. Approximately £109,000.
Seeing it is a policy of both parties in Government and a priority of theirs that they should eliminate poverty, would the Parliamentary Secretary let us know now if the incidence of poverty has been on the increase or decrease during his term of office?
(Dublin Central): It is easy to answer that.
That is a separate question, Deputy.
Seeing that we are trying to eliminate poverty, and the Government have announced it as a top priority, surely a man in the Parliamentary Secretary's position should be able to verify or——
This question refers to EEC funds.
And refers to the poverty that exists in this country.
Question No. 30.
One of the first essentials in eliminating poverty, which is a long-term aspiration, is to acknowledge that it exists. The difference between the two parties now in Government and Fianna Fáil is that until they found themselves over that side they never acknowledged its existence in this country.
(Interruptions.)
Until they found themselves over there, there was very little poverty in this country. It is only since they went over there it has existed to the extent it does at present.
If the Deputy is interested in the subject matter, I should be glad to discuss it with him but, if he is merely trying to make political capital out of the very sad plight of these people——
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I should like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy on the matter.
(Interruptions.)