asked the Minister for Local Government what steps he intends taking to ensure that guarantees given by his predecessor to the Dáil during the consideration of the Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation Bill, 1965, are carried out as regards the payment by Cork Corporation to Cork County Council before 1st June, 1967, of £1,500,000 in accordance with the arbitrator's award duly given.

19.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that arbitrators duly agreed upon by both parties in accordance with the Local Government Provisional Order Confirmation Act, 1965, awarded the sum of £1,500,000 to Cork County Council as compensation under the Provisional Order; and that Cork Corporation are not now carrying out their liabilities in this matter; and if he intends ensuring that the legislation is given effect to.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.

As I understand it, the balance of compensation payable by Cork Corporation to Cork County Council under this award is £1,300,000, and interest on this will accumulate from 1st July, 1967, until it is paid. As the Deputy is aware, the two authorities elected to make their own arbitration arrangements in this matter, and accordingly the implementation of the terms of the award is a matter for the two authorities themselves.

Is the Minister aware that this House spent over two months shoving this damn legislation down the throats of the rural community in Cork, and is he now going to implement the legislation put through by this House? Is he also aware that at present we have to borrow money from the Local Loans Fund, with 12 months or 18 months——

May I move a closure on Deputy Corry? Will you accept a motion for a closure on Deputy Corry? I take it you will not. It applies only to the Marts Bill.

The Deputy is not asking a question; he is making a speech.

I could not distinguish.

The last time——

Will Deputy Corry please resume his seat?

Yes, Sir.

As I explained to the Deputy, the two authorities made their own voluntary arrangement for an independent arbitration and consequently neither the result of the arbitration nor its implementation is any responsibility of mine.

I wish to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

It is not my responsibility.

We must get someone to move a closure.