asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to have Fane River taken out of the arterial drainage list of minor catchments and have it considered as a cross-Border project; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not proposed to change the position of the Fane catchment in the arterial drainage programme. The funds made available by the EEC for cross-Border drainage are fully committed to other drainage projects in that area.

Is the Minister not aware that most of the other rivers in that Border region have been considered and accepted as cross-Border projects and it is important for the overall drainage of the region that the Fane should be taken out for the future even if it cannot be covered by the present allocation?

I can assure the Deputy that if there are further allocations the Fane will be considered.