asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to counter the problem of coast erosion.

The Commissioners of Public Works are empowered by the Coast Protection Act, 1963, to undertake coast protection schemes in response to proposals made by local authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The national plan Building on Reality provides that no new coast protection scheme will be undertaken during the plan period. However, the commissioners will continue to maintain completed schemes, in accordance with the Act.