asked the Minister for the Environment the number of years that group water scheme grants will be available from Europe for the west of Ireland; if he will make a statement on the up-to-date position; the amount of money available in 1985 for group water schemes; the amount of money expected to be available for group water schemes in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Group Water Schemes.
24.
The European Commission has agreed informally to apply the balance of FEOGA aid of £11.3 million allocated for group water schemes in 1981 under the FEOGA western package to eligible schemes which commence in the western region after the prescribed date of 30 June 1985. New schemes in the region will therefore continue to qualify for the increased FEOGA-aided grants which I announced in May 1985 until the entire FEOGA allocation has been utilised.
In addition, as part of the overall review of the FEOGA western package being co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture, my Department are seeking extra FEOGA aid to enable the increased grants to be paid to eligible schemes which commence in the western region up to 31 December 1988. The provision in this year's Estimates for grant expenditure on group water schemes throughout the country is £3.63 million. The provision for next year is included in the 1986 Estimates which will be published shortly.