asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware of the anxiety of the people of Valentia Island as to whether he is prepared to sanction a grant for the erection of a bridge from the island to the mainland, and if he is now in a position to come to a decision in the matter.

I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by the Minister for Finance to Deputy Palmer last Thursday regarding a loan for this project. A decision on the question of a grant must await clarification of the financial position generally.