asked the Minister for Local Government the reasons for the delay in sanctioning proposals for the erection of cottages by direct labour submitted by Tipperary (NR) County Council on 5th October 1965; and if he will take steps to expedite sanction.

This proposal has been under consideration in my Department, in conjunction with other similar proposals submitted by the council, in the light of the capital allocation for new works which will be made available to the council in the coming financial year. I hope to be in a position to give a decision on the proposal within the next few weeks.

I would like to ask how long it takes to sanction proposals submitted by the county council? What is the usual delay?

That is a separate question.

It depends on the amount of money available.

This scheme was sent up seven or eight months ago.