asked the Minister for Finance whether he can now state when operations will commence on the Awbeg Drainage Scheme, County Cork; and if he can state why, as the weather is now favourable, the work is not proceeding, in view of the fact that final investigations have been made by the Board of Works many months ago.

As a result of their investigator's report on the public inquiry recently held in respect of the objections to the Awbeg Drainage Scheme, the Commissioners of Public Works have found it necessary to make certain minor alterations in the scheme as exhibited to the occupiers of affected lands. If the Minister for Finance, to whom it will be submitted at an early date, confirms the revised scheme, no time will be lost in having the works commenced.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary indicate when the work will start?

I could not say that.

Will it be in a month or two months?

I could not give any specific date.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any guarantee that it will be started within twelve months?