Does the Minister agree that there are an unprecedented number of questions about group water schemes? Does he not feel that there must be some serious reason why group water schemes are being held up? Will he investigate the matter in his Department?

I am aware from the number of questions. In a statement to Deputy Molloy last week I indicated that my Department had something in the order of 400 questions to answer. It is a tradition to ask the Minister for the Environment about every problem at local government level. If Deputies wish to proceed at Question Time in this way that is their choice. They could also have questions answered by way of written reply.

We would not get a detailed reply.

The Minister did not reply to Deputy Power's question. What is wrong in the group water supply scheme section of his Department? Why has there been a slow down in that area? In reply to an earlier question I was told that in the first three months of this year there was a drop of 50 per cent in the number of grants paid out by the Department for group water schemes. We all know the difficulties that are being experienced with group water schemes. Will the Minister tell the House if these difficulties in his Department have been resolved?

Questions Nos. 16 and 17 deal with two specific schemes in County Roscommon.

We would have information about these if they were handled properly in the Department.

If Deputies want a statement on group water schemes in general it would be more appropriate to put down a general question.

18.