asked the Minister for Local Government the number of laneways which have been black-topped under the local or rural improvements schemes in County Longford over the past 10 years; and the total mileage thereof.

The information sought is not available in my Department.

(Cavan): Every scheme, in respect of which a grant has been paid, must have obtained the Minister's approval. Surely, before any scheme was approved the details and particulars of that scheme, including the information asked for, must have been received by the Minister's Department. Will the Minister explain how he was in a position to approve any of these schemes without the information asked for?

These schemes are now administered by the county councils. They are not required to furnish particulars of the different types of schemes undertaken.

(Cavan): The question covers the last ten years. During a portion of that time the scheme was directly under the supervision of the Minister and his Department. Would the Minister give the information for the period during which the scheme was under the supervision of his Department?

It was not under the supervision of my Department.

(Cavan): Admittedly, during the period when this scheme was under the supervision of the Department, the Department did nothing about it. However, the Minister at least should be candid and state this is so.

It was not under the supervision of my Department. It was under the special employment schemes office.

Question No. 26.

(Cavan): It was under the Minister's Department for some time——

The Deputy said ten years.

(Cavan): You are short a Fianna Fáil Deputy in Longford.

Longford is very well looked after.

Order. I am calling Question No. 26.

There is a good TD in Longford. He looks after Longford very well.

No wonder you were beaten.

We won in Longford; we were beaten in Westmeath but we won in Longford. We will consolidate ourselves in Longford. There were two counties involved. We will look after Longford.

I am calling Question No. 26.