asked the Minister for Local Government the reason for the delay in the preparation of a scheme by Mayo County Council for the provision of houses for farmers with holdings under £5 valuation.

I understand from Mayo County Council that they decided not to proceed with the preparation of this scheme until they had adopted a general building programme, and obtained my approval thereto. The council's proposals for such a programme were submitted to me on 4th ultimo and are being examined in my Department at present. A decision will be given as soon as possible. The draft programme provides for the completion, within a period of three and a half years, of 200 houses under the special scheme for small farmers.

Can the Minister say when he will be in a position to tell the council to go ahead with the scheme?

It will be very shortly now.