asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will include County Kerry and west Cork in the proposed areas to be administered by the Western Development Board.

As I mentioned in my reply to a question by Deputy Finn on Tuesday 25th January, the organisational arrangements for the establishment of the Western Development Board are being developed by my Department in consultation with the other Departments concerned. While it was not intended to include areas such as west Cork and Kerry in the area to be administered by the board, I can assure the Deputy that I will have the matter carefully considered.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is clearly evident that County Kerry and west Cork should be included in the Western Development Board area? Would the Parliamentary Secretary give a firm commitment on behalf of the Government that County Kerry and west Cork will be included in this area?

I cannot make a firm commitment but I can assure the Deputy that the matter will be seriously considered.

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why County Kerry and west Cork cannot be included in the area without any further investigations?

When the Western Development Board was announced it was clearly stated that it embraced Connacht and Donegal. The Leader of the Opposition, Deputy J. Lynch, raised a question in regard to their inclusion but a firm commitment was not made at the time. I am not in a position to commit myself at this time.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary make every effort to have them included?

I certainly will, Deputy.