asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to increase the capital allocation to enable authorities like Kerry County Council to complete more quickly their priority programme for water and sewerage schemes.

The total capital that can be made available to any individual local authority to finance their water and sewerage programme must be considered in the light of the overall capital available for this purpose. This capital is allocated as equitably as possible between the various authorities throughout the country. Any increase in the capital for one area could only be at the expense of some other area or areas.

This means that there is no money for water and sewerage, is that right?

No, a very substantial amount of money has gone to this particular county. Indeed, according to the information I have here, over £270,000 has been given.

It is not enough.

It is far better than most other counties that I know.