asked the Minister for Local Government the present position in relation to the proposed shopping centre in Ballyfermot, Dublin; and the type of development proposed.

I understand from the local authority that terms for the disposal to a developer of a site at Ballyfermot Road for the purpose of erecting a shopping centre have been agreed.

The scheme envisages the erection of retail shops and allied facilities, including a licensed premises. In addition, the local authority have had discussions with the developer with a view to having provision made for health and community facilities within the centre. A site has been reserved in the centre for a swimming pool and it is also proposed to have a public library there. An outline plan showing how the centre might be developed was recently submitted by the developers to the local authority and is being examined by them.

Has the Minister the date upon which the initial proposals for this development were first mooted?

No.

It does not suit the Minister. Is it not a fact that this matter has been on the stocks for some years and was pursued long before Deputy Dowling awoke to the existence of Ballyfermot, which is purely an election stunt on his part?

I am aware that there is——

The Minister need not talk about election stunts. You failed there every time you tried.

I started it myself when I was in the Corporation. There has been obstruction by people like Deputy Dunne.

I obstructed you outside Ballyfermot schools at every election.

You never beat me.

I beat you twice.

Not since I got in.

I beat you twice.

More obstruction.

Would Deputy Dunne please allow questions to continue?

I am being imposed upon and I regret the interruptions.

Will the Minister ensure that the swimming pool is built as soon as possible in Ballyfermot? My sympathy is with the people of Ballyfermot who have been neglected for so long by Deputy Dunne. When Deputy Dunne was not in the council I was still raising this question. That is many years ago. I never ran away from them.

Where was that? Were you in the Army?

I have no doubt there will be time to deal with practical matters now.