asked the Minister for Agriculture if any EEC drainage schemes are intended for land in South West Cork in the near future, and if so, the areas to be drained.

The new EEC scheme for the acceleration of drainage in the West of Ireland applies to those parts of West Cork designated as disadvantaged under EEC Council Directive 75/272. I am sending the Deputy a list of the areas covered.

Is it not true that apart from works under the grant scheme, no major schemes, other than on the Bandon and the Lee, are being proceeded with in West Cork?

The areas designated under Directive 252 will benefit as far as field drainage is concerned. The Robe, Mask, Boyle and Bonnet will come under arterial drainage. That work will be carried out by the Office of Public Works. There is nothing to stop West Cork farmers from carrying out field drainage within the areas designated.

Would this involve individuals on a private basis going ahead with such schemes?

It involves individuals of groups of farmers making applications. We have been recommending that groups of farmers would organise and apply for work to be done taking in bigger areas. That would be more advantageous than to have individual farmers applying, because groups of farmers would be able to make better and more efficient use of machinery.

Is anything being done to encourage farmers to come together for this purpose?

It is being done through the co-ops who have offered their full support for efforts to get farmers to apply in groups.

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