asked the Minister for Local Government what percentage increase will take place in the grants to county councils from the Road Fund in view of the increase in revenue from the motor tax this year.

10.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state when he intends to announce the grants to county councils from the Road Fund in order to facilitate the councils in the striking of the rate for the coming year.

I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to reply to Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

The determination of the grants to be allocated to county councils from the Road Fund for the coming year is under consideration.

In making such determinations all relevant factors will be taken into account. I would remind the Deputy, however, that, in accordance with the provisions of section 17 of the Finance Act, 1966, the proceeds of the increases in rates of road tax imposed by that Act accrue to the Exchequer and not to the Road Fund.