asked the Minister for the Environment when work will commence on the Lettermacaward regional water scheme, County Donegal; and if money has now been allocated.

I advised Donegal County Council in November 1980 that it was in order to advertise for tenders for this scheme. I understand the tenders are being examined by the local authority and will be submitted shortly to my Department. On 4 May, I notified the council that I approved this scheme for grant assistance under the FEOGA "Western Package". The grant will be allocated following the issue of my sanction to the acceptance of tender for the scheme. The grant will cover 90 per cent of the estimated cost of the scheme made up of an 80 per cent grant from my Department and a 10 per cent grant from Roinn na Gaeltachta. The remaining 10 per cent will be financed by way of Local Loans Fund loan.

Can the Minister say whether the scheme referred to in his reply includes all of the pipe work and distribution system or merely the head works?

It includes all the work involved in the scheme.

When was that scheme advertised for tender?

It was advertised for tender on 7 November 1980.

I remember it well. Does the Minister not realise that the scheme advertised for tender in November 1980 was for the head works only?

That is not so. I am not aware of what was advertised for tender at that stage but I am aware now of what is involved.

The Minister's colleagues knew about it and they were representing at the church gates there the following Sunday that they would do it.

Any promises made during the by-election there are being well fulfilled.

Is the Minister aware that I was outside Lettermacaward church on Sunday, November 2, when the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Burke, made the shortest after-Mass church-gate speech I ever heard, and told the people that the money had been passed for the scheme and the work would proceed forthwith?

The following day?

It is proceeding with the 90 per cent grant.

Ceist 26.

It is only the head works.