asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the large volume of work involved in group water schemes, private water schemes, sewage schemes and housing schemes in Cork county and the shortage of staff to handle them, immediate steps will be taken to have extra personnel recruited.

The staffing needs of my Department in relation to the schemes of grants referred to in County Cork and elsewhere are kept constantly under review. Difficulty has been experienced on a number of occasions in recruiting suitable inspectors but two inspectors were recently recruited and assigned to Cork city and county.

85.

asked the Minister for Local Government the present position regarding the Pettigo sewerage scheme, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement in the matter.

The tender for this scheme was approved on the 21st May and a loan to finance the work will be approved shortly.

86.

asked the Minister for Local Government when sanction will be given to Clare County Council to carry out the sewerage scheme at Mountshannon.

Having regard to the heavy capital commitments in respect of other water and sewerage schemes already approved in County Clare and the need to conserve available capital for priority schemes, I cannot say at this stage when the scheme will be approved.