asked the Minister for Transport and Power the amount of (1) capital grants and (2) interest amounts due, unpaid to date to hoteliers in the country; and if he will state when such grants will be paid.

I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the board have paid all capital grants which have matured due to date to hoteliers in respect of the development of holiday accommodation. Grants arising in respect of works not yet completed will be paid as they mature.

In the case of interest grants, the total amount at present outstanding is £240,000. These outstanding grants will be paid early in the next financial year.

Could the Minister tell me why these grants, where due, are not paid in this financial year?

We have now caught up on the arrears. There were arrears and the Government decided to cease the operation of the grants for good financial reasons.

For bad financial reasons.

The arrears are being paid up.