andMr. Governey asked the Minister for Local Government when he intends to notify the local authorities of the road grants; what is the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Road Fund grant allocations for the current financial year will be notified to road authorities in the very near future.

Next week?

In a few days' time.

Is the Minister aware that there is a serious hold-up in county surveyors' plans this year because the grants have not been notified?

They will be notified in the next two or three days.

Why were they not notified weeks ago, as in former years?

It is a complicated problem.

A lot of machinery has been lying idle.

Question No. 9.

The amount of money is decided by the number of cars licensed.

A million pounds raid on the Road Fund by the 1966 Finance Act.

(Cavan): A raid of £1,211,000.

There was an increase in the rate of motor vehicle duty for the specific purposes provided. The extra taxation was levied in order to provide the benefits set out in the Budget.

Robbery of the Road Fund.

One and a quarter million pounds raided.

Question No. 9.

(Cavan): It was £1,211,000. There was not a shilling for the road improvement scheme.

I have been calling Question No. 9 for some time.

Could the Minister say whether the entire Road Fund will be allocated this year to the local authorities?

There can only be an estimate made of the amount that will be collected this year.

Is it the Minister's intention to devote the total estimated collection to the local authorities this year?

The portion of it which goes into the Road Fund will go in. The extra taxation levied for extra budgetary purposes will be utilised for the purposes for which it was levied.

(Cavan): Is it to be taken as established practice that the entire proceeds of motor taxation, fines, licences, et cetera, are not to be allocated for the maintenance and improvement of roads?

Will the Minister state if road grants to county councils are to be increased this year?

That will be known as soon as the allocations are sent out.

Will Kerry County Council get an increased grant over last year?

Kerry County Council have been told they are getting £205,000 extra for Valentia Bridge.

Will he increase the grant over last year so that we can build a bridge?

I am aware Deputy Spring is engaged in trying to stop the building of the bridge.

I was fighting for the bridge before the Minister entered public life.

Next time he wants to go to Valentia Island he will walk across.

Question No. 9.

Go on to No. 10.