asked the Minister for Finance if it is the intention of his Department to carry out the drainage of the Glenamaddy Lake and also of the lake at Cashel, Glenamaddy, both in the Corrib-Clare catchment area.

The question of carrying out drainage works under the Corrib-Clare catchment drainage scheme in the Glenamaddy and Cashel Lake areas is under consideration. Both areas present difficulties in that they involve swallow-holes and underground channels and further investigation and study are needed before decisions can be taken.

When does the Parliamentary Secretary expect to take a decision?

The whole problem of winter flooding will have to be studied before a decision can be taken. This is an unusual type of case.

Will we have a decision before the general election?

I suppose the election will probably take place before anything can be done.

Do not take a pessimistic view of the result.

I do not know how one could.

47.

asked the Minister for Finance what progress has been made towards solving the problem of the drainage of the lake north-east of Glenamaddy, County Galway; and whether he is aware that conditions in that area have been considerably worsened by the operations of the Corrib Drainage Scheme in opening a soaker there.

Works have been completed under the Corrib-Clare drainage scheme on a channel flowing through the townlands of Mountkelly and Clooncon West to the north-east of Glenamaddy, which I presume is the area which the Deputy has in mind. I cannot accept the contention that conditions in the area have been worsened by the works. In fact, I am advised that considerable benefit has been brought to some 140 acres of land. There is, however, a small area of less than an acre adjoining the swallow hole which it has not been found possible to improve; but it has not been worsened.

It is very seldom I agree with Deputy Killilea. May I point out to the Parliamentary Secretary——

This is Question Time.

——that the work that has been carried out has worsened the position very much?

This is Question Time.

Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply, is he not aware that the work done there by the Office of Public Works has considerably worsened the position? In some cases, people have now to leave homes which were never flooded prior to this work being carried out.

I do not agree that that is correct. It is certainly not in accordance with the report.

Ask Deputy Killilea. I am sorry he is not here. Deputy Killilea will tell the Parliamentary Secretary that what I have stated is correct.