asked the Minister for Local Government when it is intended to sanction the sewerage scheme for Broadford, County Clare.

Having regard to the need to conserve capital for schemes of highest priority, I cannot say when I will be in a position to convey a decision to the local authority on this scheme, contract drawings for which are under consideration in my Department.

Can the Minister say for how long the matter has been under consideration in his Department?

There has been a toing and froing in this regard for a long number of years but the scheme is listed only as No. 9 on the county's list of priorities.

When was the last scheme submitted?

It has been revised from time to time but apparently it has been on the stocks for many years. It appeared in 1974, again in 1976 and also at the end of 1976 so that a considerable amount of work has been put into its preparation. But the point is that it has not been accorded the necessary priority by the county council.

When will the Minister give authority for the scheme?

When the local authority decide on its being given first priority.

The local authority can look after their own business but can the Minister give me an approximate date for approval of the scheme?

The scheme will be considered for financing when it is No. 1 on the list of priorities.