asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to sanction the loan for the Ballinaclose group water scheme, County Meath.

A proposal from Meath County Council to meet the cost of certain alterations to the design of the Ballinaclose group water scheme out of borrowed moneys is at present under consideration in my Department.

I hope to be in a position to convey a decision in the matter to the local authority shortly.

Is the Minister aware there are 30 people involved in this scheme? They lodged over £600 in the bank 15 months ago but the loan is being held up by his Department. There is only a very small sum involved, £1,600. I would ask the Minister to speed it up.

It is being speeded up. What the Deputy omitted to say was that there have been certain amendments to the scheme. They have given rise to most of the delay now complained of. These amendments will now be financed by the additional loans.