asked the Minister for the Environment if any recent analysis of the economics of road-making and roads maintenance has been undertaken.

Analysis of all aspects of road making is a continuing process in my Department. The road research work of An Foras Forbartha provides a valuable base for the formulation and implementation of policy in that regard. The road development plan for the eighties is based on the most up-to-date analysis of research undertaken by my Department, in association with An Foras Forbartha.

Is the Minister aware that his Department indicated in the past that they did not have any knowledge or statistics in relation to the number of employees directly employed by local authorities on road works? In the light of that admission by the Department will the Minister explain how he can claim that the Department are making a most up-to-date and modern analysis in economic terms of road making costs?

That is being carried out by my Department and An Foras Forbartha. It will give all the up-to-date costings.

Does the Minister consider that an up-to-date analysis can be carried out if the Department do not know how many local authorities are employing direct labour units on the road maintenance programme and the unit costs for road maintenance?

That seems to be an argument.

I have approximate information from the local authorities.

If the Department have approximate information I should like to know why that was not given to me when I tabled my question?

I am unable to answer that.

The Minister was Minister of State when I asked the question.

I do not wish to get into a dispute with the Deputy on that issue.

The record will show that there is a gap.

Does the analysis referred to by the Minister include any scrutiny if the type and weight of vehicles allowed to use our roads?

That is a separate question.

All that will be looked into in the report.

20.