asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the increase in finance under Vote No. 32 (Subhead A2) in the 1990 Estimates.
Written Answers. - Increased Estimates Allocations.
89.
The increase arises mainly from a decision to proceed with an animal movement system which necessitates the purchase by my Department of computer hardware and software and also includes an additional amount for the maintenance and, where necessary, the replacement of other office equipment. There is also a provision of £300,000 in respect of printing, binding, stationery and publication expenses transferred from Vote No. 10 Office of Public Works.
90.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the reason for the increased finance under Vote No. 34 (J3) in the 1990 Estimates.
There has been a considerable reduction in the availability of industrial land and advance factory space in recent years because of the upturn in industrial activity and the disposal by the IDA of surplus property. The increased grant-in-aid for IDA building operations J.3. is intended as part of a long-term programme, supported by the EC, to develop selected sites, including the provision of factory space, at strategic locations around the country and the upgrading of existing vacant properties for new industries. Particular attention will be paid to the development of sites on which the private sector will be encouraged to build new factory space and to areas where private sector initiatives would be unlikely to take place.
91.
asked the Minister for Labour the reason for the increase in finance under Vote No. 33 (P5) in the 1990 Estimates.
I announced on 27 September, 1989, that the employment incentive scheme was being restructured and redirected towards the long term unemployed, early school leavers and other disadvantaged groups. I also indicated that the payments under the scheme were being increased from £30 to £45 per week in the case of those under 25 and that the period of payment was being extended in all cases from 24 to 39 weeks.
The provision in P5 of my Department's Vote in the 1990 Estimates takes account of these changes.
92.
asked the Minister for Labour the reason for the increase in finance under Vote No. 33 (P3) in the 1990 Estimates.
The increased allocation is being provided to enable FÁS to replace, update and expand the equipment in training centres and to increase the amount of training it provides in new technologies. FÁS will be also able to continue their programme of modernisation of their employment service offices in order to provide a better service to the public.
93.
asked the Minister for Energy the reason for the increased finance under Vote No. 44 (D) in respect of forestry in the 1990 Estimates.
The increase of £2.8 million in the allocation to Subhead D in the Forestry Vote for 1990 reflects the Government's continuing support for private afforestation programmes. Planting by this sector is expected to increase from 7,500 hectares this year to 8,900 hectares in 1990.