asked the Minister for Finance the plans, if any, to include areas in south-west Cork in a national programme for arterial drainage, other than the catchment areas of the Lee and the Bandon, bearing in mind the considerable difficulties being experienced by way of flooding in other parts of the region.

The answer is no. I am aware that there is some flooding in other catchment areas in the region but I am advised that the solution of those flooding problems by means of schemes under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, would not be economic.

Is it the Minister's intention not to undertake any arterial drainage schemes in the area in future?

I cannot consider it at present in view of the fact that this year for the first time there is an extensive concentration on drainage schemes being carried out by my Department. My Department are embarking on five major drainage schemes: the Maigue, the Boyne, the Corrib-Mask and the Bonnet. I cannot consider the south-west Cork area.

Am I correct in thinking it was announced that these major schemes were in addition to the ordinary work of the Department and would not be in substitution for the existing drainage programme?

As the Deputy is aware there are priorities with regard to drainage schemes and those priorities have been observed by successive Governments. I see no reason to change the present list of priorities. One must be practical and have regard to the economics of all drainage schemes. As far as I am aware the schemes the Deputy is talking about would be uneconomic at present.

Is the Minister cutting off that area entirely?

In view of the Minister's statement that there is no hope of getting money for main drainage schemes——

I did not say that.

The Minister implied that in his reply. I should like to know if there is a possibility that the Office of Public Works would increase funds for what could be termed "minor drainage schemes" throughout the country? In south-west Cork a number of minor drainage schemes could be executed if the money was available. Would the Minister consider executing small schemes?

There is no question of a shortage of money in relation to these schemes. We must look at the economics of all drainage schemes. This is the first time we are embarking upon a most extensive drainage scheme and for that reason I cannot consider the south-west Cork area.

Am I correct in assuming that only one drainage scheme will be considered in the country for years to come and that all the other schemes will not be dealt with?

We are talking about five schemes this year but during the Deputy's term of office we were only talking about one.

The Minister's party have been talking about the Shannon since I was elected to this House.

Is it not time that the Minister stopped talking and did something about these schemes?

We are doing the work, something which the Deputy's party should have done.