asked the Minister for Finance when the proposed protection works at Youghal strand, County Cork will be carried out.

Following the preliminary examination of the proposal, the Commissioners of Public Works have reported to Cork County Council. When the county council have considered that report they must inform the Commissioners whether they desire that the scheme should proceed and it will then be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Act in regard to the preparation of a formal scheme, its exhibition locally etc., before the scheme can be confirmed.

At this stage it is not possible to say when actual works can be carried out.

Do I take it that you have sent a query to Cork County Council recently? When did you send that?

The proposal was received from Cork County Council on 21st October, 1964 and the report was sent to the council on 23rd February, 1966.

I am rather amazed at that. Then it should have come before the last meeting of the county council.