asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate the progress of the national mapping survey being compiled by the Ordnance Survey Office.

The greater part of the survey of Dublin city and county towns, Cork city and hinterland, and also a number of county towns, Limerick city, including part of the Shannon Industrial Development Area, has been completed, and maps have been published, or are at an advanced stage of publication for all of these areas. The survey of Waterford city, Galway city, the town of Ennis and County Limerick has commenced.

Having regard to the fact that the Minister agrees that current maps should be available, is he satisfied that there is an ample number of staff working on this project?

One would wish always to achieve instantly what is desirable. Physically, however, it is not possible to advance the present programme but this is quite an improvement on what used to be the position.

As there is to be more money available for positions this year compared with last year, will the Minister ensure that extra staff are engaged for this most desirable project?

The question is not merely one of money. Certain skills and training are required for this work. At the same time, I am not making light of the money issue. All state services have to be balanced carefully. The Deputy must be aware that many of his colleagues have complained about the level of public expenditure and have suggested drastic reductions in this area.

Is the Minister aware that certain local authorities may have diverted ratepayers' money for the purposes of carrying out surveys in certain towns as a result of central funds not being adequate to finance the maps that are necessary?

Perhaps the Deputy is suggesting that if people wish something to be done on their behalf, they are disposed towards paying for it. That is a good trend. I would not be the one to discourage anybody who wished to pay for the services he required.

Question No. 25.

Would the Minister not agree——

We must make some progress. I shall allow the Deputy one further brief supplementary.

——that this project should be financed from central funds and that it should not be a direct levy on ratepayers who already are heavily burdened?

Central funds are taxpayers' money. They are not the moneys of some strange, anonymous, unfriendly and hostile institution known as the Exchequer. Central Funds are proceeds of the taxpayers and deserve as much protection as the proceeds of the ratepayers.

Question No. 25 please.

Order. Question No. 25 has been called.