asked the Minister for Local Government if he has made a decision on the payment of compensation to various farmers affected by cratering of Border roads.

Where damage to private property is certified by the local chief superintendent of the Garda to have been caused by the use of explosives and to have been attributable to the disturbances in Northern Ireland, the full amount of compensation ordered by the courts is recouped to the local authority from my Department's Vote. This arrangement includes damage to property which results from the road-cratering activities of the security forces in Northern Ireland.

Will the Minister ensure that the money is paid to the county council at the earliest possible date?

The moneys are paid within a week of a request from the local authority.