asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that considerable unemployment exists in the Knock, Kiltimagh and Swinford areas of South Mayo; and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Commissioners of Public Works to have the scheme for the drainage of the Gwesdon, Pollock, and Yellow Rivers carried out, and relieve the existing unemployment.

Consideration of the proposal for the drainage of the rivers to which the Deputy refers was deferred on the setting up of the Drainage Commission.

As has been indicated in the Dáil on several occasions, the preparation of new legislation arising out of the commission's report is in hands, and any action in relation to new drainage works must await the enactment of the new legislation.