Macra na Feirme grant-in-aid
Foley sought a substantial increase, noting the grant had been unchanged for six years and was lower than support for other youth organisations. Deasy said no increase was possible in 1986, with the next opportunity in the 1987 Estimates, and argued that total departmental support had doubled since 1981 and exceeded grants to other organisations his Department supports.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will increase substantially the grant-in-aid payable to Macra na Feirme.
Comment on this
Given the many other demands on the Exchequer it was not possible to increase the level of grant assistance to Macra na Feirme in 1986.
Comment on this
In view of the fact that Macra do tremendous work and that their grant has not been increased over the past six years, is there any hope of an increase in the immediate future?
Comment on this
Not in the immediate future. The next possibility of an increase is when the Estimates for 1987 are drawn up. They also get a considerable subvention from the Department of Labour and overall the contribution to that organisation has doubled since 1981.
Comment on this
I accept that they get a grant towards youth employment policy, but it is not on a level with those paid to other youth organisations.