asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) how long the destruction caused by the flooding at Ballymacprior, Killorglin, Ballykissane, Calinafercy, and at Cromane has been under investigation by the Land Commission; (b) why immediate steps were not taken to protect the lands which have been flooded; (c) how many holdings have been affected; (d) whether the tenants of these affected holdings have been liable for rates and taxes; further, whether he will at once take the necessary action to repair the damage caused by the bursting of the river banks, and adopt punitive measures if satisfied that his Department has been guilty of neglecting to protect the property of the citizens concerned.

The Land Commission are not liable for the repair or maintenance of the embankments at Ballymacprior, Ballykissane, Calinafercy and Cromane and have no responsibility to protect the lands affected from flooding.

Representations have been addressed to the Land Commission for very many years past in regard to these works, and considerable sums have, in fact, been spent by the Department on repairs to various of the embankments. As to the existing position, this has to be considered in conjunction with the problem of other River Maine embankments and a decision as to what can or should be done has not yet been reached. Consideration of the matter is being expedited as much as possible.

It is estimated that approximately 60 holdings in the townlands referred to would be liable to be affected by flooding. The Land Commission have no information as to the liability of the tenants of these holdings for payment of rates or taxes.

Would the Minister state who is responsible for the repair of these embankments?

I understand that it is the Board of Works.

I am not satisfied. In view of the unsatisfactory statement by the Minister, I should like, with the permission of the Chair, to raise the question on the adjournment, if not to-night, some other night.

This matter does not come within the scope of my Department at all.

If the Minister has no responsibility for the matter there is no point in raising it on the adjournment—it must be a matter for which the Minister is responsible.

With regard to the Board of Works, could I raise the matter on the adjournment without giving notice?

Yes. If no other question arises, I will consider it.