asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to provide funds so that the Rockbrook Cottages drainage scheme. County Dublin, can be continued and completed.

The question of approving this scheme must be considered in the context of the overall resources available for the sanitary services programme and the number of fully approved schemes in progress or getting to construction at the present time. I am not at present in a position to indicate when the Rockbrook Cottages drainage scheme will be fully approved or when the relevant loan application will be sanctioned.

Is the Minister aware that the council began this work and were stopped by his Department when they were halfway through? In view of the fact that half of the work has now been completed, would he not reconsider the position and provide the funds for the completion of the drainage scheme?

I am having a look at the position there. I am aware that work has started. I am aware also that the local authority concerned did not follow the usual procedures laid down. It must be considered in the context of the finances available.

Would the Minister be kind enough to receieve a deputation from the residents of Rockbrook on this matter because quite a serious situation obtains with no proper drainage in the area. With a scheme half complete it seems to me that it would be the efficient thing to do to provide funds from the Minister's Department to complete the job now.

I will certainly consider receiving a deputation and I will communicate with the Deputy.

Is the Minister of State not aware that the reason the local authority commenced this work was in frustration at their inability to get sanction to provide this much-needed scheme for local people? Would the Minister not agree that it is now a ridiculous situation, that the scheme should have been not alone commenced but now stopped by his Department?

And that under the Deputy's chairmanship.

I am not responsible for the Department of the Environment and neither is the Deputy.

The Deputy should not be endeavouring to defend them. The Department of the Environment did not do much for him. Can the Minister not give the House an undertaking that he would allow sanction for this scheme to be completed, a scheme started already during this financial year?

I am not in a position to do that at present.