asked the Minister for Finance the details of the preparatory work still remaining to be completed before work can commence on the drainage of the Mulcair catchment area; and the estimated period of time for the completion of the remaining preparatory work.

10.

asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the very serious unemployment situation in the Limerick region, he will take special steps to enable work on the drainage of the Mulcair catchment area to commence immediately following the Maigue scheme; and, if not, why.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together.

A considerable amount of work remains to be done before a drainage scheme for the Mulcair catchment can be formulated. This includes completion of the design, a cost/benefit analysis, preparation of detailed drawings, schedules and so on; local exhibition and service of interference notices; consideration of observations and consultation with other Departments. At this stage I am unable to say when a scheme would reach works stage.

Is the Minister of State aware of the great concern in the region regarding the drainage of this catchment area, not merely from the point of view of arterial drainage itself but because another major catchment scheme adjacent to this is in progress and there are about 300 men employed. Would the Minister of State make a special effort to try to expedite the preparatory work so that drainage of the Mulcair could start soon?

I am aware that a number of catchment schemes require urgent attention. I am trying to increase the number of people, especially engineering personnel, employed in this area to try to catch up with the backlog of work.

9.