asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the serious concern regarding the functioning of a company (details supplied) in County Wicklow to which his Department has recently granted £40,000; the steps he has taken to ensure that this company is properly run and functioning within its articles of association; and if he will give an assurance that no public funds will be handed over to this company without first fully investigating the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - County Wicklow Company.
754.
A capital grant of £40,000 was provisionally allocated in March 1982 towards work on the filtration plant and improvements at Arklow swimming pool. The grant allocation was subsequently confirmed in February 1984 following receipt of technical advice and after thorough investigation by my Department.
I am aware of the concern expressed by a local group. However, the company which operates the swimming pool and is representative of local authority, local community and tourism interests has fully complied with my Department's conditions of grant-aid. I must point out that payment of the grant, up to a maximum of two-thirds of the value of work completed, is subject to strict financial guidelines, and is made only on receipt of engineer's certificates of payment. In addition, progress on this project will be monitored carefully by my Department.