asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that extensive flooding, at present, is causing damage and losses in the districts of Blackstone, Bridgetown and May-glass, County Wexford, extending over an area of 3,000 acres, and affecting dwelling-houses and farm-houses; and if he will indicate what steps he proposes to take to remedy this serious situation at an early date.

The drainage of the areas to which the Deputy refers will be considered when the Ballyteigue catchment, of which they form part, is being dealt with under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. I can make no forecast at this stage as to when a drainage scheme for that catchment can be formulated. The Wexford County Council is responsible for the maintenance of the existing drainage districts in the area to the extent provided for in Section 23 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.