asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that for many years past the historic and once cathedral city of Glendalough, County Wicklow, has been losing its natural beauty due to the absence of a responsible authority for preserving the surroundings, as is fitting in the case of such ecclesiastical ruins; and, if so, if he will state whether the National Trust have taken any action, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am not aware that conditions at Glendalough are as stated in the question, or whether the National Trust, in regard to which I have no functions, have taken any action. The responsibility of the Office of Public Works is limited to the maintenance of the national monuments vested in them.

Would the Ceann Comhairle indicate to the Parliamentary Secretary that it is very difficult to hear his replies.

The Parliamentary Secretary will probably remedy that. Deputy MacBride says he cannot hear the Parliamentary Secretary.

I will repeat the answer.

Not this one. Let us hear the next one.