asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that for the past 12 months Cork County Council suspended the acceptance of applications under the rural improvement scheme due to the large number of applications already on hand for which they have not the necessary money; and if, in view of the present urgency of this important work, he will make more money available to the council for it.

According to the returns made by Cork County Council to my Department, they have accepted applications in the present year. The allocation to Cork County Council for 1971-72 shows an increase of £27,500, that is an increase of almost 92 per cent over 1970-71. The allocation already notified to county councils absorbs all the funds available this year.

In view of the large number of applications we have on hands would the Minister increase it to the amount he gave County Galway last year? We would be satisfied with that.

A very good question.

The moneys are allocated according to a set ratio which I did not establish.

Make Flor Crowley Minister for Local Government.

Will the Minister agree that it is desirable to have such works carried out as quickly as possible so that improved roads will be made available as quickly as possible and in view of the shortage of employment in many local authority areas would he consider giving to Ireland a vastly increased allocation for 1972-73? I say "to Ireland" because I know that Cork county cannot get something that other counties are not entitled to.

What? Do they not always get a lot more than any other county, except Donegal?

Question No. 64.

Would the Minister be prepared to give County Galway the same allocation as he gave them last year?

The question relates to County Cork. That is a separate question.

Could I have an answer from the Minister?

It would be out of order. The question relates to Cork. Does the Minister wish to answer?

No, it is a separate question. The Estimates have not been decided on for next year and on the allocation that is available to me will depend what each individual county will get.