asked the Minister for Agriculture if specifications for the grant-aided farm improvement programme require that only cement which is certified by the National Standard Authority of Ireland be used; and if he will outline the procedures for ensuring that the requirement is enforced.
Written Answers. - Grant Eligibility
142.
Specifications issued to farmers with grant approval under the farm improvement programme prescribe that all concrete products used in grant-aided structures under the programme must be manufactured from cement certified under the licensing scheme of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards.
Because of the limited manpower resources available to my Department, it is not possible to visit each individual farmer in the course of construction to ensure that structures meet approved specifications. Grant aid is paid on the basis of the receipt of a signed statement from the applicant that the works have been carried out in accordance with the approved specifications.