asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that grants towards the provision of water supply schemes under the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund have been withdrawn because it has not been possible to proceed with the schemes due to lack of capital allocations by his Department; if he proposes to take any action to have the FEOGA grants restored; and if he will make a policy statement on this vital matter.

(Dublin South-East): In the period 1974 to 1976 allocations were made from FEOGA to aid 63 public water supply schemes in rural areas. The relevant regulations required that work on the schemes should commence within two years and be completed within five years. I am informed that the European Economic Commission is now considering cancellation of the allocations made in respect of 18 schemes which had not commenced when a progress report was submitted last November.

The Department of Agriculture, as the authority responsible for transmitting claims and supporting documents, has been asked by the Commission for an opinion on the matter. My Department, in co-operation with that Department, hopes to make a case for more time to be allowed, at least for schemes which have been approved and are likely to be commenced in the near future.

Is it possible that the Minister, when renegotiating regarding these schemes and reopening consideration of older schemes, could have new schemes that have not been included now included for the coming year? He should be aware that group water schemes are becoming very costly to implement and costly on the people because of the lack of density of houses. I appeal to the Minister to ensure when he is negotiationg that the FEOGA grants will be restored.

(Dublin South-East): I give an assurance to the Deputy on that.

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