asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that in the Aherlow area the Tar and many other tributaries of the Suir are flooded, and, if so, if he will consider placing the drainage of the Suir on the priority list.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that lands on the banks of the Suir have been seriously flooded, and, if so, if he will make a grant available for the cleaning of this river.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 68 and 69 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works would deal with the drainage of the River Suir only by way of a comprehensive scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. I regret I cannot at this stage say when such a scheme can be undertaken.