asked the Minister for Finance when the Office of Public Works intends to grant Balscadden Bay Fishermen's Co-operative a lease at Howth Harbour, County Dublin, thus enabling the co-operative to carry out the building of a new fish auction hall.

The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed to let a site at Howth Harbour to the Balscadden Bay Fishermen's Co-operative for the purpose stated, and are awaiting confirmation of the co-operative's acceptance of the proposed letting conditions.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the fishermen in Howth have collected a large amount of money and are anxious to get the site? Will he give an undertaking as to when he will make the site available to them?

On the 26th September a solicitor representing the fishermen's association accepted all conditions except that regarding rent. An offer was made on 5th October last to reduce the rent to £2,500 and I am awaiting a reply from the solicitor concerned.

The Parliamentary Secretary will receive a reply very shortly.

There will be no delay in the matter.