asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if it is the Government's intention to revitalise and restore the Royal Canal as an amenity for the North City of Dublin in line with the stated policy of Dublin City Council and many residents' groups in the city; when work will be initiated; if it is proposed to act on the recommendations made to him by the ad hoc committees set up by his predecessor on the future of the Royal Canal; and the Government's policy in relation to the future of the canal in respect of its use by the people of Dublin.

Ownership of the Royal Canal is vested in CIE under transport legislation but the canal has long ceased to be part of the national transport system and it has been closed to navigation since 1961. There was consideration over a number of years of the possible transfer of the canal to the Office of Public Works but considerable difficulties were seen in relation to its future use and the technical and financial aspects. The matter was considered by an ad hoc committee representing the Government Departments concerned, CIE and Bord Fáilte. The committee submitted its report to the Minister for Transport and Power last year.

I have been examining this report and I hope to submit for consideration by the Government at an early date, proposals as to the future of the canal. I am not, therefore, in a position at this stage to say what the outcome of that consideration might be.

Would the Minister accept that the present situation is in-tolerable and that CIE in 1958 offered the canal for public sale for a half-penny provided somebody would look after it and that this should help to urge him to bring this proposal before the Government at a very early stage? Could we have some indication as to when he might propose that this essentially and potentially very valuable amenity would be considered by the Government?

It is impossible for me to say off-hand.

Are we talking about a month, a year or how long?

I am awaiting some reports from some other Departments in relation to it. I would like to have it cleared up.

Has the Minister no idea as to when he proposes to bring anything before the Government?

I will bring it as soon as I can.

It is cheaper to buy the canal than it is to buy a slice of bread at Shannon Airport.

You can buy 16 canals.