asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that legal expenses exceeding £120 per house have to be incurred by purchasers of new houses in Ennis, and that such excessive costs are detrimental to the progress of housing; and, if so, what steps he proposes taking to reduce these costs.

Representations have already been made to me on this matter by the Clare County Manager. The question is primarily one for the Minister for Justice who is responsible for the promotion of any alterations in the existing scales of legal fees. I have brought all the facts of the case to his notice.