asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state the cause of the delay in sanctioning the plans and specifications for a housing scheme at Palmerstown, in the County Borough of Limerick, which have been submitted to him some time ago; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of houses in Limerick City, he will expedite sanction.

There has been no avoidable delay in dealing with the plans and specifications for a housing scheme at Palmerstown, Limerick. These documents were received in the Department of Local Government and Public Health only on the 28th ultimo. The local authority have been notified that the lay-out plan requires amendment in certain respects. So far as I am aware, the site has not yet been acquired by the corporation.