asked the Minister for the Environment when he proposes to authorise Mayo County Council to allow the appointed contractor to start construction on the Ballycastle housing scheme, County Mayo.

Under devolved procedures, local authorities may build schemes of up to 60 houses or less without my prior sanction, subject to a number of requirements including agreement to unit costs and keeping within the available capital allocation. The unit costs for this 24-house scheme have been approved and I understand that Mayo County Council hope to commence work on the scheme very shortly.

Is the Minister aware that his tardiness in granting approval to commence schemes such as this, together with the ridiculous regulation he has brought in about granting SDA loans and grants, have seriously curtailed our building industry generally, both private and public? Will he change the regulation before he leaves office?

I would remind the Deputy that when we came into Government a few months ago the situation was in a shambles. I have not yet the £30 million——

Hear, hear.

——which will ensure that there is a good public sector house programme in train.

Is the Minister aware that the Housing programme as outlined by his office is regarded by the building industry——

That question is too general.

——as being in a shambles.

We are dealing with the Ballycastle housing scheme, County Mayo.

This is very pertinent to the total construction industry.

The Deputy should go back to his local authority.

It is collapsing.

The Minister by his tardiness, has caused untold hardship to the construction industry. Will he do something to change that position before he leaves office?

The Deputy should go back to his county council.

Question No. 22.

Minister of State McMahon is there.

Potential Minister of State.

Deputy McMahon has gone down one degree.