asked the Minister for Finance if he is yet in a position to make a statement on the outcome of requests made to him last year by different groups and public bodies for the taking over of additional cross-Border roads as approved roads.

Following the joint review of requirements undertaken by the Irish and British customs authorities, it has been agreed in principle to place customs posts on the following four routes:—

Castlefin, County Donegal—

Castlederg, County Tyrone

Belturbet, County Cavan—

Derrylin, County Fermanagh

Monaghan—

Rosslea, County Fermanagh

Carrickmacross, County Monaghan

—Crossmaglen, County Armagh.

This involves the acquisition of sites, the erection of posts and the provision of staff. The necessary arrangements are in hand and it is hoped to have the new routes in operation for the coming tourist season. The dates for the opening of the posts and the hours of daily attendance will be announced as soon as practicable.

The Minister will recall he promised to inform me of these decisions as soon as they were taken? I regret his oversight.

I do not deny what the Deputy says. However, I was asked by the other side to make an announcement today. That decision was come to only about a week ago. It was rather a hurried decision. We had been pressing on our side to have them open for the coming season and, when the hurried decision took place, we could not object.

The important thing is that it is being done.

I admit the Deputy has taken a very keen interest in this.