asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the very long delay in the payment of claims to farmers whose lands have been damaged by the river Moy drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

8.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will expedite settlement of claims from the several claimants from Cloongoonagh to Cloonaughill, County Sligo, arising out of the Moy drainage scheme.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I will answer Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.

As I explained in reply to questions in February last, the Moy drainage scheme is being carried out primarily for the benefit of the farmers concerned and it has brought great improvement to the lands affected.

Coming events cast their shadows before.

It must have been a good meeting this morning.

The Parliamentary Secretary.

Inevitably some damage to riparian land has resulted from the deposition of spoil etc., and all such claims are investigated and compensation is paid where genuine loss can be proved. Many claims have been settled and the rate of settlement exceeds the number of new claims received. The outstanding claims will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

9.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that many gangers and workmen who are engaged on the River Moy drainage scheme are to be laid off in the near future; and what steps he proposes to take so as to provide alternative employment for those men.

I am aware that notice of redundancy has been served on a number of gangers and workmen. There is no alternative employment available on drainage works in the area.

Employment on drainage works, by its nature, is of limited duration. The river Moy drainage scheme has been in progress for eight years and is now rapidly nearing completion. As the works draw to a close, men will have to be gradually laid off.