asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if final investigations of the claims for compensation of the people whose land was flooded by the Shannon scheme have been made; if he is prepared to pay said compensation, and when, and if he is aware that a number of these people are seriously affected by said flooding.

All claims with the exception of a small number recently received have been investigated and compensation will be paid as soon as possible in all cases where agreement has been reached. It will, however, be appreciated that there must be some delay as it is necessary to have the sub-division of the lands and the apportionment of the annuities carried out by the Land Commission before the deeds of transfer can be completed. This work is proceeding as rapidly as possible.