asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that there are three families, numbering 22 persons, living in labourers' cottages in the townland of Painstown, Kill, County Kildare, whose only water supply, of doubtful quality, is obtained from a road ditch; that they have to use a cup to fill a bucket when they require water; that there is no pure water to be had within a distance of two miles; that in time of drought they have to use filthy water from the canal over half a mile distant; that five children suffering from scarlatina have been sent to hospital from the district; and whether he will have inquiries made with a view to the provision of a supply of pure water for these people.

This matter has not come under my notice but I am having inquiries made in regard to it.