asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that, owing to the abolition of minor employment schemes, many roads in Mayo are now in a very bad state of repair; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this serious situation.

As pointed out in my reply to the Deputy's question on 6th April, 1967, the Estimates for 1967-68 contain a separate provision for Minor Employment Schemes. A proportionate allocation has been made for County Mayo and the schemes will be carried out during the coming winter.

I do not know if the House has been fully informed of a new departure, but the county councils apparently are supposed to take over what formerly were the jobs of the Special Employments Schemes Office and as far as I know, as a councillor, we have not been informed what this entails.

The Deputy is not asking a question, surely?

He is asking if "the Minister is aware".

Asking "Is the Minister aware" does not make a question out of a statement.

I am entitled to look for information.

The Deputy is entitled to ask a question.

I am asking the Minister if he can give information to the House and to councillors. As far as I am aware——

The Deputy is not asking a question now. He has asked a question and there is no need to elaborate.

I will bow to your ruling, Sir. I will ask the Minister to give me information——

Clearly the Deputy wants to avoid the Chair.

Is the Minister aware that Mayo County Council received a circular indicating that in the next financial year a certain sum of money will be made available in County Mayo—no doubt a similar circular was sent to other counties—but no money has been sent down for this purpose? The engineering section of the Mayo County Council has not been told what roads——

Is the Deputy asking a question? He is trying to make a statement.

I have asked a question. I am asking if the Minister is aware that Mayo County Council got no money to carry out the scheme.

Mayo County Council were informed, as were other county councils, by circular letter of the 14th August of the allocation of money and they have not yet replied to this letter.

They had to take over the Special Employment Scheme with much less money than they got under the Local Authorities (Works) Act.

11.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the very bad condition of the road at Rappa, Knockanilawn, Ballina, County Mayo; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

It is assumed that the question relates to the accommodation road referred to in the Deputy's question of 20th July, 1967. The Rural Improvements Scheme grant which was offered for the repair of the road has not been accepted and the work cannot be considered for inclusion in this year's programme of schemes.

Is the Minister aware that the people of Knockanilawn are now unable to get from their homes to Mass and their children are unable to get to school without having to cross fields? Does the Minister not consider that in such circumstances these people merit some special consideration? Is the Minister in any way concerned about them, or is he not worried about them?

An offer of a grant was made on the 17th July, 1967. The estimated cost was £928 and the grant offered was £742. This was not accepted.

It was not acceptable to the people because they could not sell their cattle.