asked the Minister for Finance if and when the Office of Public Works take over the canals and if the rights of way leading to people's homes will be put in a fit state of repair so as to allow the people access to their homes.

The transfer of the Grand and Royal Canals from Córas Iompair Éireann to the Commissioners of Public Works took place on 1 July 1986. At this stage, the Commissioners are not in a position to give a general commitment in relation to the type of work referred to by the Deputy but any specific case referred to them will be considered in the light of their liability for maintenance and of the resources available to them.