asked the Minister for Local Government if he will provide a special grant towards the construction of the road from Swinford through Kiltimagh to Claremorris, County Mayo, in view of the closing down by CIE of the railway line between Charlestown and Claremorris.

It is for Mayo County Council to consider whether the improvement of this road, or sections of it, is required and, if so, how this work would rank in priority in relation to the improvement of other such roads in the county. It would be open to the council to consider the scheme for financing under the general road fund grant allocated to them.

23.

asked the Minister for Local Government the total road grant to Laois County Council for each year since 1965-66; the total road expenditure by the county council in each of these years; the percentage of the total expenditure which each year's grant represented; and the amount of road grant being allocated for 1976.

As the reply to the question includes a tabular statement I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report. Following is the statement:—

Laois County Council

Note: Grant allocations for 1976 have not yet been announced.

Does the Minister intend replying to the whole question in the tabular statement?

It is a very full question.

The last sentence in it asks the amount of road grant being allocated.

The amount available for 1976 it not yet available. That is stated in the reply.

Will the grant be increased in 1976?

That is a separate question.

If I could invite the Deputy to a Cabinet meeting he could find out about that but so far no decision has been taken.

There will be no increase. More unemployment.

I have not stated there will be no increase. What I said is that a decision has not yet been taken.