asked the Minister for Finance if there has been any recent development on the proposal to carry out drainage operations on the rivers Shannon and Suck.

The detailed investigation of the Shannon drainage problem has begun and a contract has recently been placed for trial borings on the banks and in the bed of the main river. A drainage scheme for the Suck must await developments in relation to the main Shannon.

Is the Minister aware that promises have been made by the Government during the past ten years, at every general election, to drain the Shannon? We were informed by the Taoiseach two years ago that the work was to begin that year. What has happened to those promises?

Has the Minister now a proposal to run the Shannon into the Lee for the purpose of the Cork city by-election?

We could take in Limerick on the way down. Deputy L'Estrange has a habit of not listening. In the reply I stated that a contract has been placed as a first step.

Ten years ago, we were told the first steps had been taken.

Has he laid any boring contract in regard to the free trade area now promised by the Minister for Education in Limerick and Clare? I understand the Minister for Education to have promised a free trade area for Limerick, Ennis and other contiguous areas.

Who slaughtered the calves?

Perhaps the Minister for Education would be good enough to put Laois-Offaly into that area?

At the drop of a hat.