asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the reason for the increase of 326 per cent from £1.5 million to £6.4 million in the amount from the Exchequer issued under the Turf Development Acts in the 11½ months ending 15 December 1978 over the corresponding period in 1977, how the money was used; if an increase of this magnitude was provided for in the 1978 capital budget and, if not, how and by whom it was approved.
Written Answers. - Turf Development Acts Exchequer Issues.
168.
Total Exchequer allocation towards the capital expenditure of Bord na Móna in the public capital budget for 1977 was £2.6 million and for 1978 £8.35 million. Actual drawings by Bord na Móna in the period to 15 December each year were £1.5 million and £6.4 million respectively. Additional capital expenditure was incurred by the board in these periods financed from own resources and from outside borrowings making a total capital expenditure of £5.7 million in 1977 and £8.6 million in 1978.
The increase in such expenditure in 1978 over 1977 arose from the planned progression of the Third Development Programme.