asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the priority list for arterial drainage schemes at the present time.

24.

asked the Minister for Finance if there are two priority lists for arterial drainage schemes; and, if so, the difference between the two lists.

25.

asked the Minister for Finance if, at any time in the past, a decision was taken to proceed with the major drainage schemes; when this decision was taken; and the present policy on this matter.

26.

asked the Minister for Finance the present policy regarding minor drainage schemes.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take questions Nos. 23 to 26, together.

Priority lists for major catchment areas—those over 100,000 acres—and minor catchment areas—those under 100,000 acreas—were drawn up in 1946 and a decision to proceed with the preparation of schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 for the catchment areas on the lists was taken about that time. An ad hoc decision is taken in regard to the carrying out of each drainage scheme—the date of the decision to carry out the first drainage scheme under the Act, that is, the Brosna Drainage Scheme, was 18 August 1947.

Details of the lists will, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, be circulated with the Official Report. Following are the lists:

Major Catchments: 1. Brosna; 2. Glyde and Dee; 3. Feale; 4. Corrib; 5. Moy; 6. Maine; 7. Inny; 8. Suck; 9. Boyne; 10. Erne; 11. Little Brosna; 12. Deel; 13. Boyle; 14. Maigue; 15. Suir; 16. Owenmore (Sligo); 17. Mulkear; 18. Nore; 19. Monaghan Blackwater; 20. Fergus; 21. Liffey; 22. Blackwater (Cork); 23. Barrow; 24. Lee (Cork); 25. Bandon; 26. Finn; 27. Laune; 28. Slaney.

Minor Catchments: 1. Nenagh; 2. Ballyteige; 3. Cahore; 4. Broadmeadow; 5. Killimor; 6. Quinn; 7. Owenkeagh; 8. Bonet; 9. Strokestown; 10. Dunkellin; 11. Inagh; 12. Scarriff; 13. Rinn and Black River; 14. Nanny; 15. Longford; 16. Sow; 17. Ballinhassig; 18. Lavally; 19. Lee (Kerry); 20. Fane; 21. Six-milebridge; 22. Elphin; 23. Eslin; 24. Foyle; 25. Leannan; 26. Errif; 27. Tolka; 28. Owenea; 29. Owenmore (Mayo); 30. Swilly.

Schemes have been completed in the following catchment areas: Brosna, Glyde and Dee, Feale, Corrib-Clare and Corrib-Headford, Moy, Maine, Inny, Deel, Nenagh, Ballyteige, Broadmeadow and Killimor.

Scheme works are in progress in the Boyne and Maigue catchment areas. The present policy is to proceed as resources permit with the preparation and execution of drainage schemes for the catchment areas on the lists which have not yet been reached.

I asked if there were two priority lists, major and minor, and if there has been any change in policy in this regard in recent times.

No.

I would refer to a letter I received from the Minister on 19 May last in which he stated that a decision had been taken some time before not to continue works on minor schemes.

Would the Deputy repeat the question?

Is the Minister aware that I received a letter dated 19 May 1978 in which the Minister stated: "I refer to the recent request——"

Quotations are not in order during Question Time.

I can do it either this way or through a question on the Adjournment.

The Deputy has already asked his question.

Has a decision been taken not to proceed with works classed as minor catchment areas?

Priorities are set on both major and minor drainage schemes and Ministers may at any time change the list of priorities. There is no Act to say that the Minister must continue and follow schemes. I can change them at any time but so far I have not changed them.

I am not talking about changing priorities. I am asking if a decision has been taken by the Minister's Department in relation to minor schemes.

Any specific one?

Has any decision been taken in regard to minor drainage schemes——

Not to my knowledge.