asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the very serious loss of production on farms in the catchment area of the Akeragh and Banna rivers in County Kerry due to heavy annual flooding of these rivers and if he will make funds available for an adequate drainage scheme for the area, either separately or in conjunction with EEC schemes.

The Commissioners of Public Works could undertake works on the Akeragh and Banna catchment area only by way of a comprehensive drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. Because of present commitments this catchment area will not be reached for many years.