asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the number and names of schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, at present being operated; (b) the number and names of additional schemes which have been formulated and approved; (c) the number and names of other schemes being surveyed at present, and (d) the total expenditure and number of men employed on the schemes indicated at (a).

Works are in progress on two schemes —the Brosna and the Glyde and Dee. The approximate total expenditure to date on the Brosna is £350,000 and on the Glyde and Dee, which has only recently commenced, £5,000. The number of men employed at present on the Brosna is 350 and on the Glyde and Dee 35; the latter figure will increase rapidly as the work progresses. No other schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act. 1945, have yet been confirmed; but the scheme for the Feale catchment is in an advanced stage of preparation. Surveys have been completed on the Akeragh Lough—Banna and the Lee (Co. Kerry), and a survey of the Corrib catchment is in progress.