asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when he proposes to proceed with the fish auction hall, Howth, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

29.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if he will proceed with the building of the fish auction hall, Howth, County Dublin in accordance with the recommendations made to him by Howth Fishermen's Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.

The overall development scheme for Howth includes the provision of a fish auction hall. To enable tenders to be invited for the project, drawings and specifications are at present being prepared.

: Was the money provided in the original Estimates for the fish auction hall?

: I understand that the money was not provided because drawings and specifications for the project had not been completed.

: Is the Minister stating that the fish auction hall will go ahead?

: The matter will be examined when final arrangements are made relating to drawings and specifications.

: Could the Minister give me a time on that?

: I am afraid I cannot.

: Could the Minister give a figure for the moneys that have been provided?

: I am afraid I have not got that information.

: Ceist 30.

: It strikes me as strange that the Minister can say that the moneys were not provided for one item and that he does not know what was provided for the project.

: In relation to this project I have said——

: The auction hall is part of the overall development of the port.

: It is, but I am not in a position to single out one area of the overall project.

: The Minister singled out a second ago that money was not provided for the auction hall.

: If the Deputy wishes I can get him the information of the total amount made available.

: I do not want to confuse the situation, but the Minister has just said that the money was not provided for one project which was part of the overall development and over £1 million was provided for that development. The Minister is aware of that.

: Would the Minister confirm in relation to my question that a very definite submission was made to him by the fishermen's association on the auction hall with reference — assuming the auction hall having been developed and established there — to their right to operate a market there or alternatively in the old centre in town?

: There comes a time when we must get down to specific drawings and specifications. That is the stage at which we have arrived and to which I am referring.

: The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for Tuesday, 19 April 1983, unless a Member requests a written answer in respect of question.