asked the Minister for the Environment the date on which he received an application from Meath County Council to sanction Ratoath sewerage scheme, County Meath; the amount of money involved; if sanction has been given; and if so, when the scheme is likely to commence.

Preliminary proposals were received in my Department on 19 November for the carrying out of Ratoath sewerage scheme by direct labour at an estimated cost of £165,000.

The submission by Meath County Council of further data required in connection with the technical examination of the proposals is awaited.

19 November of what year?

1980.

Is the Minister saying that Meath County Council are responsible for the delay?

We require some additional information and Meath County Council are providing that.

When was Meath County Council asked for the additional information?

The day before yesterday?

Meath County Council were informed by letter on 23 April 1981 that the preliminary reports submitted were incomplete and they were requested to complete their submission.

A good try by the Minister. Is the Minister in a position to say that if Meath County Council send back the necessary information next week — that is only a ploy — the Department will be in a position to make available the necessary money to have the work carried out? The men are there and the necessity is there.

There will be no avoidable delay on our part.

There will be a delay if the Minister does not have the money.

23.