asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that payments of reconstruction grants payable by the Kerry County Council under Section 8 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1950, are being delayed by the negotiations between the engineers of the county council and his Department concerning remuneration; and, if so, if he will have immediate steps taken to bring the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion in order that payment of the grants may be proceeded with.

The Kerry County Engineer has made a statutory appeal to me against the decision of the housing authority to assign to him duties in connection with grants payable under Section 8 of the Housing (Amendment) Act, 1950. The appeal has now been considered by me and I have decided to refuse it. The housing authority and the county engineer are being informed accordingly.