asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that flooding of the River Blackwater catchment causes serious losses, year after year, to farmers in that area as well as to residents in the towns of Kanturk, Mallow and Fermoy; and, if so, whether he will state when he intends to carry out the drainage of that catchment under the Arterial Drainage Acts.

I am aware that some flooding occurs in the Blackwater catchment, but I am unable at present to say when a comprehensive scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, can be undertaken in that catchment.