asked the Minister for the Environment whether he has any proposals to provide assistance in Skibbereen, County Cork to alleviate the flooding problem there.

(Dublin South-East): My Department have received from Cork County Council a general request for an allocation of funds to alleviate flooding. However, I understand that the flooding problem at Skibbereen and various other locations can only be solved by arterial drainage works, for which the Minister for Finance is the responsible Minister. In the circumstances, I do not think it appropriate that I should be asked to make funds available to relieve such flooding.

Has the Minister had any discussions with his colleague, the Minister for Finance, as to whether funds will be made available through their schemes to alleviate this problem?

(Dublin South-East): No. As a result of the Deputy's inquiry in this matter I will make such representations.

Does the Minister expect any positive response to the representations?

(Dublin South-East): I am forever an optimist and I shall be looking in that direction particularly for that area of County Cork with which I am familiar.

Is this a message of despair for the people of Skibbereen — the Department of the Environment and the Minister, Pontius Pilate-like, wash their hands and will not be able to provide any help whatever to alleviate this problem?

(Dublin South-East): I would not like the Deputy to infer for one moment that I am washing my hands, or those of the Department, in relation to Skibbereen. I have indicated that the Minister for Finance is the Minister responsible in this matter. I am quite prepared to make the strongest possible representations to the Minister for Finance on behalf of my Department. I shall be delighted to go down and see Skibbereen any time the Deputy wishes.

I accept the Minister's offer and I shall expect the full weight of his good offices to be exercised in ensuring that there will be a positive response from the Minister for Finance to alleviate the flooding problems being experienced there.

(Dublin South-East): I will try for the Deputy, as I said.

So that he may obtain such a positive response.

Hopefully, even without that, Deputy.

(Dublin South-East): The Deputy may not be aware that I have blood relations by the name of Hurley in Glandore.

Question No. 26.