asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that Mayo County Council are unable to undertake many very necessary road works due to inadequate finance; if he will investigate the entire matter with a view to increasing the amount of grant money which is at present being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am not so aware. The total amount of Road Fund grants allocated to Mayo County Council for 1972-73 is £661,850, an increase of £57,780 over 1971-72. It is not possible to increase this allocation further, as the expected income of the Road Fund for the current year is fully committed.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary take into consideration the special circumstances of Mayo County Council. The council's area is mountainous and rugged and there are many roads left undone. Would he not consider it necessary to provide more money, if we are to undertake very necessary works?

It does surprise me that £153,000 of last year's allocation has not yet been spent.

We cannot always keep up-to-date in the matter of the expenditure of money. Does the Parliamentary Secretary not appreciate that we in Mayo will expend all the money within the present financial year, provided we get the necessary funds?

There is quite a lot of spending in £661,000.