(Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr. Conlan asked the Minister for the Environment if he will outline the position regarding the application made in September 1978 on behalf of the Drumgole Agricultural Co-operative Society, Rockcorry, County Monaghan, for a FEOGA grant for their group water scheme and when approval will be given to this application.

An application for FEOGA aid totalling £131,400 was forwarded by my Department to the EEC Commission in September 1978 on behalf of the Drumgole Agricultural Cooperative Society Limited. The making of a decision on this application is a matter for the EEC Commission and I cannot anticipate when a decision will be made or what the likely decision will be.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Has the Minister any idea of what the decision will be?

I have not and I would add that a deputation led by Deputy Conlan were received recently and, having been informed of the position, they decided it was better to wait for the financial arrangements of FEOGA. They are aware of the situation.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that the local contribution would be increased from £570 to £1,300 if the grant is not forthcoming?

If the FEOGA grant is not forthcoming the local contribution will rise from £755 to £1,455.

(Cavan-Monaghan): If the FEOGA grant is not forthcoming will the Minister take some steps to make money available in lieu of the grants?

Yes, because I consider that that amount would be beyond the capacity of the group.

(Cavan-Monaghan): If the FEOGA grant does not materialise, will the Minister make good the deficiency?

We will have to look at the position when we get a decision from FEOGA.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Will the Minister come to the aid of the group?

If I agree that it is beyond their capacity, it is only fair to do so.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that they have already committed themselves to substantial expenditure?

The amount is £725.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that they have already committed themselves to very substantial expenditure?

I assume they have.

11.

(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for the Environment the number of group water schemes in Cavan and Monaghan in respect of which applications have been made for FEOGA grants; the total amount of such applications; the number and amount of such grants sanctioned or approved; the amount of FEOGA aid available for group water scheme grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Since Ireland joined the European Community my Department have made applications for FEOGA aid totalling £3,542,800 on behalf of 50 groups in counties Cavan and Monaghan. The EEC Commission have allocated FEOGA grants totalling £465,423 in respect of 21 schemes in the two counties; FEOGA grant assistance has been refused for two schemes; and the decision of the EEC Commission is awaited on applications for FEOGA aid totalling £2,981,300 for 27 schemes.

As to the general question of FEOGA aid for rural water schemes, including future prospects, I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 10 May 1979 to Parliamentary Question No. 23 on this subject.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister be prepared to make representations to the EEC with a view to having a decision given on these outstanding applications?

I will try to hasten the decision.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I think the Minister told me that 27 applications were outstanding.

Fifty groups originally applied. Grants totalling £465,423 have been allocated in respect of 21 schemes. Two of the 50 applications were rejected.

As many group schemes are in limbo, will the Minister give us an assurance that they will qualify under the new development scheme?

We cannot assume that they will not qualify. Already 21 have qualified and only two have been rejected so far. We must await the decision of the Commission.

Is it a fact that the applications now before FEOGA total £7 million and that we may only get £1 million?

The total applications for 50 groups amounts to over £3½ million. Grants totalling £½ million have already been approved for the 21 schemes referred to.

(Cavan-Monaghan): To put it bluntly, the rumour is that the FEOGA money is not forthcoming and there is grave concern in these two counties about finance for the schemes. Can the Minister give us an assurance that he will come to the aid of these groups if FEOGA money is not forthcoming?

If the applications are rejected, we shall certainly have a look at the matter.

Question No. 12 postponed.