asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that 400 holdings along the upper and middle reaches of the River Fergus have been subjected to continuous flooding during the past three months and if he will now state when the drainage of this river will be carried out.

Further improvement of arterial drainage conditions in the River Fergus catchment area, beyond the works of restoration and improvement carried out a few years ago and those at present in progress on the rock shoal and sluices near Clarecastle in accordance with the District of Fergus Act, 1943, must await a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. It is not possible at present to say when such a scheme can be undertaken.