asked the Minister for Finance if he is now in a position to state the approximate date on which the survey of the Ballyline River, Ballylongford, County Kerry, will be completed; the period of time estimated to be needed by the engineers to consider the survey; and the approximate date on which he considers that the actual drainage itself will commence; and if, in view of the great hardship caused to local farmers through holding up much valuable land reclamation work in the area, he will expedite the date on which drainage will commence.

This river is one which has been noted for consideration in competition with many others throughout the country for treatment in the Intermediate Rivers drainage programme. It has not yet been selected for survey and consequently I am not in a position to answer the Deputy's specific questions.