asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the impasse which has been reached between the Dublin Corporation and the Dublin Port and Docks Board regarding responsibility for the cleansing of the bed of the River Liffey and if he will issue a direction and, if necessary, introduce proposals for legislation immediately, to clarify the matter.

I have received no request for intervention from the authorities concerned. As I understand that the two bodies concerned are in disagreement as to the extent of their respective responsibilities, it appears to me from the nature of the problem that the solution of any difficulties would be most satisfactorily secured by discussions between themselves.

Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary might consider favourably the convening of a conference of representatives of both bodies with a view to having the impasse which undoubtedly exists at the present moment cleared up and having this very necessary work carried out?

The suggestion made by the Deputy will be examined.