Vol. 312 No. 2
asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the progress to date regarding the special committee set up under the aegis of his Department on the inner city of Dublin; the number of meetings this committee has held; and if they have consulted with the various organisations concerned with development in this area and, when the interim or final report may be expected.
10.
asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development the details of the proposed half million pounds to be spent on the inner city area of Dublin; the schemes he has in mind relating to the expenditure of that money; when final details of the relevant proposals will be announced; and if the money will be used for grant aiding voluntary organisations, assisting job creation, combating urban blight in the city or in other ways.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The Inter-Departmental Committee established to consider and report on the special economic and social problems of Dublin inner city have submitted a preliminary report and I expect to receive their final report soon. In the course of their examination the committee consulted officials of the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Port and Docks Board. They also received submissions and had contact with bodies outside the official network at their request.
The preliminary report recommends action over a wide area of activity and will help to decide how, among other things, the £0.5 million specially set aside in the budget for environmental improvement schemes in the inner city can be usefully spent.
Until such time as the committee's final report is examined, you will appreciate that I am not in a position to be specific as to how the £0.5 million in question will be spent.
I am pleased that the committee has been established. Is it not unusual to have a preliminary report which covers a limited range of interests—Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Port and Docks Board?
I did indicate that there had also been submissions and contacts with other bodies.
Were any public representatives asked to make submissions?
I am not aware of formal requests to or contacts with public representatives as such.
How many meetings have been held?
Sixteen.
Is there any possibility that suitable industry will be directed to establish plant in the inner city?
The approach we are seeking to develop is that there should be an adequate and comprehensive approach to tackling the problems in this area. One relevant part of that is the identification and provision of suitable employment.
When does the Minister expect to receive the final report?
I expect to have that report soon, that is, within a month or six weeks.
Will it be published?
The question of publication does not arise at this juncture. Any relevant decisions will be published.
Will the £½ million be sterilised or will it be used in the meantime?
As I indicated, the question of how best to utilise that money is part of the issue being examined.
If I knew of a worthy project that would create jobs in my constituency, could I get a grant or is it the case that the money will not be made available to local authorities or other public agencies?
I have to say that it also depends on the nature of the proposal which the Deputy would have in mind. If he has a specific proposal which is being held up for lack of finance I would welcome being made aware of it.
Can the money be spent now if a worthy scheme comes to the notice of the committee?
I would not like to take decisions which would have the effect of earmarking the whole £½ million.
Order, please.
Is the money available for spending now?
I am calling the next question.
Have you woken up?
Is the Deputy referring to the Chair?
No, the Minister.
