asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether the accounts of the Limerick County Council are being audited at present, and, if not, whether he will have the audit of same expedited, and if he is aware that this will put the new Council coming into being after the elections in a position to give to the ratepayers of the county the actual facts of the financial standing of the Council.

These accounts are not at present being audited. Considerable delay has occurred locally in the completion of the accounts, but it is understood that substantial progress is now being made. I will have the audit completed as soon as it is possible and the auditor's report will fully elucidate the financial position of the Council.