asked the Minister for Defence if he will state what is the cause of the delay in the payment of an account, amounting to £404 odd, due to Anthony Farrell, Merchant, Main Street, Longford, for goods supplied to the Thomas Kelleher Barracks, Longford; whether he is aware that this account was certified for payment, and put in order in the Chief Accountant's Office, Portobello, at the end of October, and, notwithstanding this, the amount is still unpaid; whether the payment of the account will be made forthwith.

Mr. Farrell's account has been received. Owing to pressure of work some delay in dealing with it has arisen. I am arranging to expedite its settlement.