asked the Minister for Finance whether the Commissioners of Public Works have approved of the proposed schemes for the drainage of the River Erkina (Co. Leix); and, if so, when operations on it are likely to commence.

On consideration of their investigator's report on the public inquiry in respect of objections to the Erkina River Drainage Scheme, the Commissioners of Public Works decided to make some minor alterations in the scheme, thereby causing a reduction in the estimated increase in the annual present value of the lands affected. The effect of this reduction is to increase the free grants required to make the scheme economic for the occupiers of affected lands from 68½% to 75% of the actual cost of the scheme. Since the maximum grant made by the Government in aid of drainage schemes is 50% of the actual cost, the increased grant required, i.e., 6½% of the cost, must be forthcoming from the Laoighis County Council if the scheme is to proceed. The County Council have accordingly been asked to increase their contribution in aid of this scheme from 18½% to 25% of the cost and, if that body agrees to make the increased contribution, the Commissioners will have the scheme submitted to the Minister for Finance for confirmation with a view to starting works. A copy of the Commissioners' letter to the County Council is being sent to the Deputy.

However, as has been explained to the Deputy in reply to a question in November last, actual drainage works cannot be begun in this district until about the end of spring.