asked the Minister for Finance if he will make funds available as a matter of urgency for the improvement of harbour facilities for Inishturk Island, County Mayo.

The central development committee which operates under the aegis of my Department is engaged in a process of consultation with the relevant Departments and State agencies with a view to determining whether expenditure on the improvement of landing facilities on Inishturk would be justified. According to the most recent estimate of costs provided by the Office of Public Works, harbour works on Inishturk would cost £276,000. It must be said, however, that having regard to the state of public finances, it is unlikely that funds will be available for work on Inishturk in the foreseeable future.

Does the Minister accept that the state of the pier is precarious and dangerous at present and that access is almost impossible? It is necessary to have repairs carried out as soon as possible.

I am aware that there are a number of difficulties in relation to the state of the harbour facilities at Inishturk. As I have already indicated the matter is being reviewed by the central development committee. It would appear that there are a number of other works that would have to be given a higher priority.

Is the Minister aware that there is a drive to get bigger boats on the island and that the islanders tend to use the harbours off the mainland in order to keep their boats? This has had the effect of whole families moving away from the island. From that point of view would he not consider it urgent that something be done to keep the people in their own community?

I realise that there were a number of difficulties in relation to Inishturk. The matter is being examined but I have given the opinion that other works will merit a higher priority than that one.

10.