asked the Minister for Finance if he is prepared to consider favourably the provision of a boat slip on Inishmaan.

I should like to point out to the Deputy that I have no responsibility for the provision of a work of this kind unless it should prove suitable as a scheme for the relief of unemployment. Subject to this, grants are sanctioned from the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote for marine works only on condition that the council of the county in which a work falls is prepared to contribute one-quarter of the cost and to undertake responsibility for the subsequent maintenance of the structure. I am informed that the Galway County Council are not prepared to accept these conditions in respect of new structures, and consequently the provision of a boat slip on Inishmaan cannot be considered suitable for a grant from the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is in his office a resolution passed by the Galway County Council indicating that they are prepared to contribute to such a structure?

And maintain it?

Yes.

That is news to me.

The Parliamentary Secretary refused to meet a deputation from the council on that.

You could not blame him for refusing to meet the like of you.

That is a statesmanlike statement.