asked the Minister for Finance (a) the number of coast erosion schemes submitted to his Department by Kerry County Council, (b) the estimated cost of these schemes, (c) the number of schemes about to be implemented, and (d) the total cost of the schemes.

The Commissioners of Public Works have received eighteen proposals from Kerry County Council under the Coast Protection Act, 1963. The county council have estimated the total cost at £240,000. I cannot say when any of the proposals may be implemented.

Has one penny been expended in any county on operational work under the Coast Protection Act, 1963, or was it a gimmick?

The Deputy is well aware of the provision for the current financial year for coast protection works. If he consults the Book of Estimates, he will discover that it is a sizeable sum.

Can we get an assurance that the Parliamentary Secretary will spend the money?

The money is not expended. Cork County Council have not got one penny for this purpose.

It is the same in County Donegal.

The position is somewhat similar to that of arterial drainage. There are cases all over the country that require attention. There must be a priority list in this.

Nothing has been done.

Can we get an assurance from the Parliamentary Secretary that the money which has been voted will be spent?