asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware in connection with the grant which was recently sanctioned for the repair of sea embankments on the Marshall and Ventry Estates, County Kerry, that tenants on these estates are required to defray a substantial portion of the total cost of these repairs; that tenants in the Callinafercy and Milltown areas find that they are unable to bear these costs; and, if so, whether in view of the great hardship entailed, he will arrange that the total cost be defrayed from public funds.

The repair of embankments at Callinafercy East and West on the estate of M.R. Leeson-Marshall Record No. E.C. 2542 has recently been undertaken by the Land Commission, and it is proposed that portion of the cost should be contributed by the benefiting occupiers. Inquiries are proceeding as to the exact amounts to be recovered from the parties concerned.

Could not the Minister, instead of putting on the levy, impose some small cost which could be utilised as a maintenance fund for the future upkeep of these banks as the present cost is beyond the capacity of the people to bear?

A sum has been made available to repair the embankments completely and effectively. When these estates were taken over a certain portion of the purchase money was laid aside for a trust fund, and the local occupiers, whose interest it is to watch the embankments and to see that they are kept in proper repair, in many cases have allowed these trust funds to be frittered away, to be used up. I shall bear the Deputy's suggestion in mind and see if we can do anything about it.

asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the sea embankments at Cromane (townlands of Glosha and Lonart) and Gurrane, Killorglin, County Kerry, are in a very bad state of repair; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have these embankments repaired at the earliest possible date.

The Land Commission have no liability for the repair or maintenance of the embankments at Cromane and Gurrane, County Kerry, but they have at present under consideration the question of providing assistance towards the cost of repairing these works. A final decision has not yet been reached, but the matter is being considered as expeditiously as possible.

How long has the matter been under consideration?

Not very long.

May I ask the Minister when the matter was brought under his notice?

During the summer, I think.