asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in erecting a Garda station at Fethard, County Tipperary; and if he is now in a position to state when it is anticipated that the contract papers will be ready.

As I explained to the Deputy in reply to a previous question on the 29th October last, pressure of other urgent work on the architectural staff in the Office of Public Works, who are dealing with the extensive Garda building programme, has caused some delay in the case of Fethard. The planning of that Station which will consist of an office unit and two houses for married Gardaí has, however, now reached a stage which will permit of the invitation of tenders in about a week's time.