asked the Minister for Local Government why his inspectors are opposed to the site on offer to the Kerry County Council for a cottage group at Keel-na-Brack, Glenbeigh, particularly in view of the fact that it is the only site available and that the Kerry housing engineers are satisfied with it.

The site at Keel-na-Brack was considered entirely unsuitable for housing purposes because of its location in relation to the village, evidence of water-logging, inadequate access which would cause a serious traffic hazard, and high development costs. I am advised that there are a substantial number of alternative sites in the village which would be suitable for housing.

31.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has yet received lay-out plans from Kerry County Council in respect of a housing scheme in Kenmare, County Kerry, on land acquired by compulsory acquisition.

The answer is "No".

32.

asked the Minister for Local Government what housing schemes from County Wexford have been submitted to his Department for sanction; which schemes have been sanctioned in the last three months; and the dates of sanction.

The only such proposal before me is one for a scheme of six houses at Taghmon, submitted by Wexford County Council on 6th March, 1969, which is being examined.

I approved of the county council's tender proposals for a 28-house scheme at Ferns on the 20th March, 1969, subject to certain economies and of Wexford Corporation's direct labour proposals for a 20-house scheme at Thomas Clarke Street on 28th February, 1969.

33.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the serious shortage of houses in many Mayo towns; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 27 of 20th November, 1968, on the subject. No further submission has been made to me by Mayo County Council since then.

The Deputy is a member of Mayo County Council.

He must not attend it.

Deputy Calleary's son is also a member.

He does not put down silly questions.

Would the Minister not hold out any hope at this stage for the provision of money if Mayo County Council propose to embark on housing schemes in the various towns? My information—and it is well founded—is that there is no money available for these purposes.

No. That is further evidence of the Deputy's lack of interest in the affairs of the local authority.