asked the Minister for the Environment if he will introduce legislation so that legal and other costs can be met from central funds in relation to the increasing costs to local authorities in Border regions of contesting claims for malicious injuries and damage to property as a result of Northern Ireland troubles.

While I am aware of the way in which such legal and other costs can affect the finances of local authorities and am keeping the position under review, the Deputy will appreciate that the introduction of any legislation relating to the malicious injuries code is not a matter for me.