asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if it is intended to improve landing facilities at Rathmullan, County Donegal.

My Department have offered a grant to Donegal County Council towards the cost of repairing the fendering, kerb and toe board on Rathmullan Pier.

Is the Minister aware that the temporary efforts to improve the fendering of the pier were laughable because the first boat that came into the pier head just brushed it aside and the fendering does not exist any longer? That was a complete waste of time and a joke.

The work on the pier is a matter for the local authority. If it has proved to be inadequate or unsuccessful in relation to what it was meant to do, the local authority should review their operations.

Would the Minister, in his capacity as Minister for Fisheries, get in touch with the local authority who are acting on his behalf in this matter and query the ludicrous situation that arose only three days after they had carried out these alleged new fendering operations? It did not last for a week.

I will do that.

What was the amount of the grant made available? Was it a full cost grant?

It was 70 per cent on an estimated cost of £14,000.

11.

asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry when it is expected to commence the dredging of Burtonport Harbour, County Donegal.

I cannot say when funds will be available to meet the substantial cost involved in carrying out the work referred to.

I am sure the Minister is well aware of the difficulties in Burtonport. In his capacities as Minister for Fisheries and Minister for the Gaeltacht, will he try to obtain sufficient finance through this year's Estimates to ensure that these works will be carried out?

I will do that. I regard this work as being necessary. However, the commencement of it will depend on the availability of the necessary funds which I will make every effort to provide.