To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the County Councils of Waterford and Tipperary S. R. are very badly off financially, and when will he be able to pay the grants for current year to these Councils.

I am at present endeavouring to arrange for the issue of a half-yearly instalment of Agricultural Grant, but, as the Deputy is aware, it will be necessary for it to pass through the Guarantee Fund under the Land Acts. I hope, however, that this fact will not prevent an early issue.