asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the serious flooding that is caused periodically by the overflowing of the River Mulcaire, at Cappamore, Co-Limerick; that over 1,500 acres of land are affected, and that the water recently rose to a height of nearly three feet in many of the occupied houses in the village of Cappamore; and whether he will state what steps are being taken to remedy those conditions.

The Commissioners of Public Works are aware of the conditions prevailing in the Cappamore area as petitions under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1925 for the formation of a Drainage District in this locality have been received. The Commissioners are proceeding with their investigations as to the possibility of carrying out a drainage scheme there.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say why, in such an important matter as the flooding of a large portion of a village, no steps were taken to deal with it?

We are taking the proper and the only steps that we can take under the statute.

The matter has been going on for years.

I know that.

Surely, in view of the fact that these conditions have existed for a long time, the Department should do something to cure the situation.

Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary could tell the House when the report of the Drainage Commission that dealt with the scheme will be presented.

A detailed scheme has been already prepared. It will cost about £22,000. The valuer is at present revising the original valuation. When he has concluded that work the report will be presented to the Minister for Finance in order to ascertain what free grant will be given and what the county council will give. The free grant required will be about 80 per cent.