asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the reason for the delay in starting work on the drainage of the River Moy, since all survey work and work on design and preparation of the scheme are complete, and, further, when work will start on this scheme.

Work on the design and preparation of a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for this extensive catchment has been retarded by shortages of technical staff, and is not yet complete. Pending completion of the draft scheme, and compliance with the statutory requirements, it is not possible to give an indication as to when works might be commenced. I can assure the Deputy, however, that special efforts are being made to expedite the matter.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is likely that a start will be made next summer?

I am not going to commit myself to a definite date.

If he did he might be misreported.