asked the Minister for Finance is he is aware of the hardship caused to farmers by the frequent flooding of the River Flesk, at Glenflesk, Killarney, County Kerry; and when this will be remedied.

The Commissioners of Public Works could deal with the flooding of the Flesk River only by means of a comprehensive scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 for the Laune catchment area in which it is situated.

Owing to existing commitments and the extent of the drainage problem throughout the country it will be several years before the Laune can be reached in the drainage programme.