asked the Minister for Finance the present position regarding the Suir arterial drainage scheme and when work is likely to commence.

The design of a drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the Suir catchment is at an advanced stage. In regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to the statement which I made to the Dáil in regard to arterial drainage on 17th November, 1971, when introducing the Vote for Public Works and Buildings for the current financial year. A number of arterial drainage schemes, including that for the Suir catchment, may be affected by the results of the cost benefit study which is being undertaken.