asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the long-awaited council housing scheme at Sneem, County Kerry, which was the first proposed group of cottages there and for which the applicants applied as far back as 1951.

The position is still as indicated in my reply to Deputy John O'Leary's question on 25th February, 1969, in which I stated that plans were being prepared by the county council for this scheme.

25.

asked the Minister for Local Government when Ballina Urban District Council may receive sanction for a scheme for erection of new cottages.

I am awaiting the submission by the council of fully documented proposals for the erection of 22 houses at Barnadearg, Ballina.

26.

asked the Minister for Local Government whether he has any proposals before his Department for the erection of much-needed new houses in the Skibbereen urban area, County Cork.

No proposals from Skibbereen Urban District Council for the building of houses in the town are before my Department.

The Deputy understands from the Minister that he has had no indication from Skibbereen Urban District Council in relation to the proposed housing scheme in the town? Has the Minister had any correspondence from Skibbereen Urban District Council?

The Deputy understood the reply correctly.

It is the Minister's job to reply to questions which are put to him at Question Time. He is getting £3,750 to answer questions here, less 15 per cent, plus £2,000——

The supplementary question the Deputy asked me was whether he was to understand from the Minister's reply that no proposals were received. I said the Deputy had understood it correctly. That was answering the question.

Do I understand from the Minister that he has not received any indication whatsoever from Skibbereen Urban District Council relative to a new housing scheme there?

I do not know what the Deputy understands from me. No proposals from Skibbereen Urban District Council for the building of houses in the town are before my Department.

Do not be so smart.