asked the Minister for Finance if drainage works will be carried out in the Glencar-Dromahair areas of County Leitrim where severe flooding took place for the past three years.

I cannot say when a drainage scheme for the Bonet catchment, in which the areas in question are situated, can commence. As I explained to the Dáil on a number of occasions, the question has been raised as to whether the economic and social returns from drainage schemes are sufficient to justify the heavy capital investment necessary for the service. With a view to reaching a conclusion, a full cost/ benefit study of arterial drainage proposals for selected catchment areas has been put in hand. This study is making good progress and it is hoped the result will be available next year. In the meantime, consideration of a number of drainage proposals including the Bonet catchment is being suspended.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.