asked the Minister for Local Government if any tender for the proposed labourers' cottage scheme in County Waterford has been received; if so, if it has been sanctioned; and when work on the scheme will commence.

There are no proposals before my Department for the acceptance of tenders for the erection of rural cottages in County Waterford.

On the 27th April last I approved of the acceptance by Waterford County Council of tenders for the erection of 17 cottages. I am informed that as the accepted tenderer could not undertake the work in due time, the County Council have now invited tenders for the erection of 63 rural cottages, including the seventeen I have mentioned.