asked the Minister for Finance the progress made in inspecting, appraising and indexing monuments of national importance.

To complete the extensive records already available, and to supplement the day-to-day programme of inspections carried out by staff of the National Parks and Monuments Branch of the Office of Public Works, a systematic archaeological survey of the whole country is being undertaken. The survey is in two parts, firstly, an inventory of all monuments and, secondly, a scientific survey of each monument.

The survey is proceeding and at various stages of completion in Counties Louth, Monaghan, Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Cavan, Kildare and Dublin.

27.

asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, that has been taken with regard to the report of An Taisce concerning great gardens and historic monuments.

The report is still under consideration.

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

I wish to inquire as to why my private notice question regarding this morning's £1 million train robbery is not being allowed especially in view of the fact that the armed guard who was normally on this train was removed from it recently.

He is in Ballina.

The Deputy will appreciate that it is not proper to raise the matter in this fashion. The Chair communicated with the Deputy as to why his question is not in order and the matter may not be followed up at this stage.

I accept your ruling but I find it difficult to appreciate or understand the reason for refusing to allow me the opportunity to raise the matter, that is, that it is not regarded as urgent. However, I will table a question in this regard for Tuesday next.