Would the Minister agree that there is much dissatisfaction among the local authorities concerned because of the slow progress in the Border region in so far as the fund is concerned? Would he not agree also that the whole administration of the many funds in the Border area is becoming very unwieldy? Is it not time that an economic study of the whole border region was undertaken and the economics of the entire region studied in detail? Perhaps then we could arrive at a decision on how to administer these funds more beneficially? It is accepted that if one compares the funds as they are administered on our side with the situation on the Northern side, we get the worst of the bargain.

I do not accept that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction about the way in which the funds are being managed. I would accept, though, that there is a certain amount of confusion and that this is fuelled partially by some of the sort of remarks that have been made here today. As to the exact role and function of this fund, it is one which involves a number of Departments and a number of different agencies. It is sometimes the case that those who have ideas in mind for projects that would be beneficial in the area are not always very sure of where to go to find out in what way the funds can assist them. This is a problem but my Department are available always to give advice in that regard. The other agencies involved, too, are always very open to giving advice where possible so far as their side is concerned.

Half of Question Time has been devoted to these four questions. I am advising Deputies to allow Question Time to proceed.

This will be my last question.

Deputy Leonard also has indicated that he wishes to ask a question. All the Border Deputies have been allowed to ask supplementaries.

I have not asked one.

The Deputies are being unreasonable.

All the questions relate to your own province, Sir, but I doubt if you would allow the House to spend so much time on four questions about Dublin.

The problem is one that is shared by many people.

I appreciate what has been said by Deputy Kelly but I shall stick closely to the parameters laid down——

Perhaps the Deputy would stick closely to the question.