asked the Minister for Finance the present stage of plans for the drainage of the Mulcair catchment area; if it is intended to commence work on the Mulcair when the work on the Maigue has been completed; and, if not, why.

A considerable amount of work remains to be done before a drainage scheme for the Mulcair catchment area can be formulated. At this stage I am unable to say when a scheme would reach the works stage.

The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for 5 April unless Deputies seek a written reply. I hope that is clear.

As most of the remaining questions are relatively non-contentious is there any chance that the Chair would allow the Minister to answer that particular section?

No, there are too many and the progress we have made would not justify my acceding to that request.

Am I correct in assuming, if I want a written reply to Questions Nos. 125 and 126, that this is the appropriate way to ask, or do I go to the General Office?

The Deputy is new.

Further to the statement the Chair has just made, how do I get a reply to Questions Nos. 125 and 126? Do I ask here or in the General Office?

The Deputy asks in the office for a written reply to be given.

That is all I want to know.

It is somewhat different from the statement I made yesterday, because quite a number of Deputies approached me and told me they preferred to have it the other way. Therefore, unless written replies are asked for the questions will appear on the Order Paper on 5 April. I hope that is clear.

May I give notice that I would like to raise the subject matter of Question No. 16 on the adjournment?

I will be in touch with the Deputy during the day.