asked the Minister for Local Government when it is proposed to sanction the plans submitted by Wicklow County Council for a sewerage scheme at Shillelagh.

An integrated priority list for water and sewerage schemes submitted to my Department last month by Wicklow County Council indicated that this scheme is not regarded by the local authority as having a high priority in their programme. In the circumstances, I cannot say when approval will issue to the plans for the scheme.

43.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will consider appointing an additional engineer to County Galway to help applicants in outlining group water schemes.

The inspectorate assigned to group water supply schemes in all areas is continually under review in my Department. When additional inspectors, now being sought, become available the question of assigning an additional engineer to County Galway will be considered.

Is the Minister aware that many groups who make application for group schemes are dissatisfied with the delay, one of the reasons being that the engineer in question is overworked? If it is under consideration in the Minister's Department, it is a wonder he is not aware of the need for an additional engineer in Galway.

I pointed out that additional inspectors for this purpose are being sought and that when they are available the question of assigning an additional one to County Galway will be considered. We cannot assign them until we have them.

When will they be available?

I do not know. They are being sought and as soon as they become available they will be allocated.

Could the Minister indicate a time—six months, twelve months?

As soon as the engineers can be got.

Can you not get additional engineers?

We have not succeeded in getting them yet.

Are they appointed by the Local Appointments Commissioners?

Yes.

Has application been made to the Local Appointments Commissioners for these extra engineers?

No candidate applied as a result of the last advertisement.

Surely there must be something wrong with the recruitment?

I think there is something wrong, all right.

Is that because of the rate of pay offered?

It is felt that negotiations are necessary before the posts can be re-advertised.

On pay?

Mainly on pay.

44.

asked the Minister for Local Government the position regarding the proposed group water scheme to serve the villages of Lisheenheiltha, Boyounagh, Cashel and Midletown, Glenamaddy, County Galway.

A suitable source of supply to serve the scheme has not yet been found. The Department is awaiting a report from Galway County Council on a spring source which has been gauged recently.

45.

asked the Minister for Local Government if he will give sanction to Mayo County Council for a loan to help to provide a water supply to Balla pig fattening station, County Mayo.

I have received no application from Mayo County Council for sanction to the raising of a loan for the purpose referred to by the Deputy. I am, however, considering an application from the council for sanction to the payment of a grant by them towards the cost of the provision of an independent water supply at the pig fattening station and I hope to make a decision about the application in the near future.