asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) whether he has satisfied himself that the rate of progress achieved in connection with the Corrib drainage scheme is sufficient; (b) whether he has satisfied himself that he has at his disposal sufficient machinery for the completion of the scheme, and (c) the number of men who will be employed on the completion of the scheme.

I am quite satisfied with the rate of progress which has been achieved to date in connection with the Corrib scheme. The necessary steps for the purchase of the additional machinery required are being taken, and adequate provision for the purpose is included in the Estimates for the coming year. At this stage, it is not possible to estimate reliably the number of men likely to be employed on the works.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any information to the Dáil as to the amount it is proposed to spend on machinery during the current year?

Vote 9, sub-head K. (1), purchase of excavating machinery and engineering plant, £400,000.