asked the Minister for Education if funds are being made available to Ballinagh Community Trust Limited, Ballinagh, County Cavan to complete and redecorate the existing community centre, to build tennis courts and develop grounds; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 15 people are employed on the Youth Employment Scheme in this area; and, having regard to this fact, if she will agree to make an allocation of money to them.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Community Centre.
15.
It is not possible to allocate a grant to Ballinagh Community Trust Limited, Ballinagh, County Cavan, as grants up to the limit of funds available to date under my Department's capital grant scheme for the provision of recreational facilities have been fully allocated.
In any event grants under the scheme can only be considered in respect of work to be done by registered building contractors. It cannot be provided towards work performed by voluntary labour or under Government training schemes.
All I can say is that I am greatly disappointed at the reply I have received here today. I understand that the lottery was for this purpose. This trust was set up to bring about much needed improvements in this small town and provide facilities for the children.
Ceist, a Theachta.
Will the Minister not reconsider her decision in the light of the information I have given her now and which was available in the original application, and having regard to the fact that coming in here this morning I heard on the radio that funds from the national lottery are being made for the stabling of horses out in Finglas?
The Deputy is embarking upon a speech. The Deputy may not make a speech at Question Time. It is not in order. Let us move on to Question No. 16.
The Minister was going to make a reply.
Well, if the Minister was going to make a reply, far be it from me to prevent him.
This project did not qualify under last year's allocation of money and to date the Government have not taken decisions on this year's allocation.
Can I take it from that reply that they will still be considered?
Aspects of the scheme which are not covered by any Government scheme or voluntary labour, will be considered like the other £50 million worth of applications we have in the Department.
That is more information than we got in the original reply. We are making progress.