asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that Waterford Corporation's block grant for 1982 has remained unchanged at £104,000; if he is further aware that this will lead to a reduction in the number of road workers employed and also in the number of workers who have responsibility for the upkeep of open spaces; if he will increase this block grant to take into account inflation and the expanding needs of the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Corporation Grant.
17.
(Dublin South-East): I am aware that the 1982 block grant notified to Waterford Corporation on 25 February 1982 is in the same amount as that for 1981.
As a consequence of the additional capital made available in the budget I have been enabled to supplement the grants previously allocated to Waterford Corporation for this year by further grants totalling £400,000. This additional capital is for road improvement works.
When account is taken of the supplementary grants mentioned, the total amount available to Waterford Corporation this year for road works represents an increase of 84 per cent over the comparable grants for 1981 and an increase of 158 per cent over the grants for 1980. I am satisfied that the corporation is receiving its fair share of the overall funds available to me for road grants in the current year.
The employment of workmen is a matter for the corporation, which has the responsibility to programme its various operations throughout the year.
I see that the block grant remains the same. Is the Minister aware that because of the decision not to increase that block grant for roads the number of outdoor staff, particularly those employed on roads, is being reduced and there is in effect a certain amount or redundancy attached to the decision?
(Dublin South-East): I hope that will not take place. We had a deputation which Deputy Collins attended on 4 June and this matter was thoroughly debated. Unfortunately the block grant will not be changed but I would hope that redundancies will not occur.