asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether it is his intention to introduce proposals for legislation relating to arterial drainage by increasing the contribution from State funds from one-fifth to two-fifths and by empowering county councils to proceed with schemes costing more than £1,000.

The answer is in the negative.

Is the Minister aware that ten years ago Deputy Seán T. O'Kelly advocated the raising of the State contribution to these schemes from one-fifth to two-fifths?

The whole matter of drainage is under consideration, and a commission is about to be set up to examine into it.