asked the Minister for Local Government if his Department have received a proposal from Monaghan Urban Council for work to be carried out under the Christmas relief schemes; and, if so, if he will sanction it so that the men unemployed will get work immediately.

I have received a proposal from Monaghan Urban District Council for an employment scheme to be carried out at Peter's Lake Park. A decision will be given shortly.

Surely the Minister does not suggest that a scheme that has been submitted for Christmas relief work should be still under consideration a fortnight before Christmas?

It will be dealt with very shortly. It is not in the Department very long.

How long is it in the Department?

Let him know behind the door so that nobody will know in public.

It is in the Department since the 14th November.

Does the Department not know that 25th December is still Christmas?

It will not take a long time to do the job.

How will anybody get any Christmas relief work from it if it is not sanctioned for another week?

There is two weeks' work.

One of them will be after Christmas.

(Cavan): Would the Minister suggest to Deputy Mooney that, perhaps, next year he should start his representations earlier?