asked the Minister for the Environment the amount of the malicious damages claim that has been lodged with Donegal County Council in respect of the sinking of the coal boat Nellie M.

I understand that claims totalling £912,000 have been served on Donegal County Council in this case.

Will the Minister give us a guarantee that these claims will be taken over as a national charge rather than as a county charge?

Before the question of any compensation under the criminal injuries code arises in this case the matter would have to be processed through the courts and it would be inappropriate and premature to anticipate what the courts may decide. However, as far as the national charge situation is concerned. the Deputy will be aware that in cases of this order, malicious damage cases. already there is a limit of 20p in the £ in the rate.

The Minister is, of course, aware, that a county like Donegal could not afford to pay 20p in the £. Can he give us a commitment that whatever compensation will be due will be taken over nationally?

I will take the Deputy's comments into account.

Questions Nos. 4 and 5 are postponed.