asked the Minister for Finance the present position in relation to proposals to carry out minor improvement scheme works on the River Flesk which flows through Glenflesk into the Lakes of Killarney, County Kerry.

The Commissioners of Public Works could undertake works on the Flesk River only in the context of a comprehensive drainage scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the entire Laune catchment in which it is situated. I could not say at this stage when the Laune might be reached in the arterial drainage programme.

The farmers living beside the River Flesk have been suffering from severe flooding for a number of years. Would the Minister consider having a special grant made available to have the river drained in view of the fact that hunderds of acres are being flooded every year?

I appreciate there is flooding in the area. The Laune catchment is second last on a priority list of 28. Under the Act, as the Deputy knows, the Office of Public Works cannot drain this area. During Deputy McEllistrim's term in office officials from the Office of Public Works visited the area accompanied by a representative of a local drainage action committee. It was clearly explained that the Office of Public Works could carry out works there only in the context of the Arterial Drainage Act for the entire catchment area.

Is the Minister of State aware of the seriousness of the flooding for families from the Cork-Kerry border to Killarney? The situation has worsened over the last couple of years allegedly because of the drainage of new forestry development in the area. In view of difficulties experienced last winter by this group of farmers would he use his good offices to investigate a development in conjunction with the Department of Forestry, the Department of the Environment and Kerry County Council to alleviate the hardship for the residents there who now find it impossible to get insurance to cover their property and stock?

I am aware of the problem in the area and I have read a report on the matter. However, I do not see how I can commit the Office of Public Works to this work because under the Act they cannot do anything unless there is complete arterial drainage in the area. I cannot see that happening in the near future.

The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.