asked the Minister for the Environment if money will be made available immediately for the upgrading of the Dundalk-Newry road which is a recommendation of the Economic and Social Committee Report of the European Communities which was published on 14 February 1984 in their development plan for Border areas.

The report on the joint Irish-UK study on the planning of an improved Dundalk-Newry road is being finalised and will be available shortly. This will provide the appropriate context in which to consider all matters relating to the future of the route, including of course the question of finance.

In view of the very high level of unemployment in the constituency of Louth, particularly in Drogheda and Dundalk, will the Minister use his good offices in relation to the funds available for cross-Border projects, including this project?

I assure the Deputy that we are pursuing this study so as to commence work as early as possible but it will require discussions with our counterparts across the Border.

Will the Minister confirm that progress has been made with regard to the line to be used for this road from Newry to Dundalk? Will he say whether a decision has been taken, in view of the differences that have arisen between the administrations on both sides of the Border?

I will be meeting my counterpart across the Border to discuss final decisions on this part of the road and I hope the decisions will be arrived at this summer.

Will the Minister confirm that this road will be the subject of a special grant from the EEC since it is the European North-South route? Will he say whether it is intended to continue it for the rest of the route through north County Dublin, Balbriggan and Swords?

That is a separate question.

It is the same route and I am asking what level of grant will be available and whether it will be above the normal grant.

This question refers to £8 million and the Deputy is moving into a different area.

If the Minister has the information I would ask him to give it.

I assure the Deputy that this route is a special project and that it is being pushed very strongly by my Department.

Question No. 25.

You do not have to protect the Minister. He is good on his own.

The Deputy should not pursue that line and he should withdraw the imputation.

Do not be so sensitive.

The question of sensitivity does not arise. If you get an inch you will take a span.