asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that his Department refused to sanction a contribution offered by the Carlow County Council to the Carlow Fire Brigade; and whether, in view of the fact of the great importance of a fire brigade to the people of the town and county, he will consider the matter, with a view to legalising payment of such contribution.

As the law stands, there is no statutory authority to enable the Carlow County Council to contribute to the Carlow Fire Brigade. I informed the Carlow County Council on the 11th July that if the Council and other county councils consider it would generally be desirable that expenditure for such purpose from County Funds should be legalised, I would be prepared to consider reasoned proposals for legislation on the subject.