asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state whether or not final plans have as yet been sanctioned by him for the construction of the North Dublin main drainage scheme; and, further, what delay has arisen in the progress of the constructional work as the result of conflicting opinions on the planning of the scheme as between engineers of his Department and the Dublin Corporation engineers.

No delay in the commencement of work on this scheme has arisen for the reason referred to in the latter part of the Deputy's question. Final plans for the sections of the scheme comprising the laying of the sewer from Finglas to Malahide Road and Malahide Road to Raheny were approved last year, and a recent proposal by the Dublin Corporation to carry out the work by direct labour has been approved. The plans for the remainder of the scheme are under consideration by the corporation.

I should like to point out that the continuity of the Dublin housing programme is dependent on the fact that that scheme will be finished in time. The scheme is still awaiting sanction and I should like to ask the Minister to bear that in mind.

Yes.