asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has yet made any arrangements for the weekly payment of wages to turf workers employed by the county surveyors in the Counties of Laoighis and Offaly and other counties concerned; and, if not, if he will state the reason why he failed to do so.

The reply is in the negative.

The power to make weekly or other payments rests with the local authorities and not with the Minister.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is only a few weeks ago since he said that this matter was under consideration, and am I to take it now that he declines to make this recommendation to the local authorities?

No.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that these poorly paid workers must have cash in order to get what is left of the essential commodities in the country? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer given by the Parliamentary Secretary, I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise this matter on the adjournment or on the appropriate Estimate.

The Deputy might raise it on the appropriate Estimate.

Which one is that?

These Estimates will be coming on in a few days—perhaps today.

But which Estimate?

I should say the Employment Vote would be the appropriate one, or the Emergency Schemes Vote. I shall not object.