asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the severe hardship suffered by the farmers of the Mulcair Catchment Area due to the absence of drainage facilities and of the consequential deterioration of their holdings; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Commissioners of Public Works are aware of the drainage problems associated with the Mulcair River and, following the Government decision made in late August 1986, have recommenced work on the design of the drainage scheme for the catchment.