asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the slum clearance campaign of the Government is hampered by the delay in the payment of the amount awarded by the arbitrator in connection with No. 1 clearance area at Ennis, County Clare, and if he is in a position to state when payment of the amount in question will be made.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Payment of the compensation awarded for the lands in the clearance area referred to can be made when the Ennis Urban District Council have obtained a loan for the purpose. I will be prepared to consider an application for a loan to cover the cost of the land and the erection of the houses as soon as the lay-out plans and house designs have been approved.