asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the final report of the Queen's University study group in relation to small towns development study 1978 for County Roscommon; if so, if he will outline his attitude to the recommendations contained in it for County Roscommon, and when will this report be published.

In 1978, the Department of Economic Planning and Development commissioned the Department of Town and County Planning, Queen's University, Belfast, to carry out a study of small towns and villages in County Roscommon and to produce recommendations to assist the development process. The results of the study have been made available to the agencies with statutory responsibility for planning and development in County Roscommon. While not committed to the recommendations made by the consultants I consider that all contributions of this type are valuable to the official agencies responsible for development in the area. As the report was commissioned for the purpose of assisting official agencies it is not intended to publish it.

How much did this report cost?

I understand £6,000.

Does the Minister intend to implement the proposals in it?

No. As I indicated in my reply, the report was prepared for official agencies. If there are interested bodies who would like to have access to it, they should get in touch with the county development team in Roscommon. The report was regarded as being very useful and comprehensive.

Is it accessible to the public?

They may get it through the agencies.

Is it all right to get one through these agencies?

Yes. It is not for me to imply that they should, but I believe they will.