asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the refusal of the farm development office to accept applications under the western drainage scheme since 31 January, he proposes to introduce a national scheme.

I am not at present comtemplating the introduction of a national scheme to replace the existing western drainage scheme which is partly financed by the EEC. I am, however, having an examination made to see what other options are available for providing financial assistance towards drainage work in western areas.

Does the Minister agree that, because of the number of applications and the two-and-a-half year time lag, the western counties are now at a serious disadvantage? People living outside the 12 western counties can have the work attended to. This is very serious for young people who have gone into farming and who wish to avail of grant aid to reclaim land.

I agree with the Deputy. If I had sufficient money that problem might not exist. We are constantly examining the situation and, as I said, we are examining the other options.