asked the Minister for Local Government what proposals he has before him from Tipperary (N.R.) County Council for the building of cottages, when they were received, and the reason for the delay in dealing with them.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state the cause of the delay in sanctioning the tenders submitted to his Department for the erection of cottages in North Tipperary.

It is proposed, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.

The Tipperary (N.R.) County Council submitted proposals last November for the erection of 18 rural cottages by contract and one rural cottage by direct labour, and last September they proposed the erection by contract of two additional houses at Cullinagh, Ballina.

All these proposals have been placed in that category of works which cannot be started until 1958 unless the capital position improves in the meantime.

Is it not a fact that North Tipperary County Council have submitted plans for 147 cottages?

Not that I am aware of.