asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to introduce legislation to transfer responsibility for the canal system to the Office of Public Works.

Consultation is still continuing between my Department, the Office of Public Works and CIE in regard to details of the legislation which will be required to effect the transfer. While certain progress has been made, many of the matters involved are of a complex nature and a timescale for the finalisation of the legislation cannot yet be given.

In relation to one particular aspect of this matter might I ask the Minister to keep in mind that it was our intention in Government to transfer responsibility for the canals to the new proposed heritage council. In consideration of that matter will the Minister keep that longer-term aspect in mind?

I can assure the Deputy I will.

Could the Minister give us any idea when action will be taken in this matter because I am sure he will agree that there has been a dragging of feet for a long time and that it transpires what is everybody's business is nobody's business in this case? Would he not further agree that the word "grand" for the canal is very much a misnomer at the present stage?

I would not agree with the Deputy's description of the canal, that it has not been grand, because I consider the Grand Canal to be a very attractive waterway. This has been going on for some time and I cannot give a definite time scale for it. As the Deputy will know there are a lot of complications behind this seemingly simple proposal.

Question No. 4.

I have not had a supplementary on my question.

The Deputy does not necessarily have to have a supplementary.

Would the Minister indicate what the precise difficulties are that this matter cannot be speeded up?

For example, the delineation of the property to be transferred, definition of the boundaries between the canal and railway property, clarification of the position in relation to water and other rights and determination of the arrangements in relation to the transfer of staff. The preliminary draft heads of a Bill have been submitted and are under consideration but the Deputy will know from his experience in the Department of Transport that that seemingly short list contains within it a lot of administrative implications.

Is the marina at Ringsend a continuing difficulty?

In what sense?

In the sense that there is difficulty with CIE concerning the disposal of it.

There is a slight difference of opinion between the Inland Waterways Association and CIE as to the effect that CIE proposals for the extension of their complex there will have on the marina proposals but I believe it is coming to a satisfactory compromise.