asked the Minister for Finance the exact number of redundancies created in the Office of Public Works in 1983, 1984 and 1985; the locations of the former workers; the number decided for 1986; the locations where these redundancies will take effect; the reasons for these redundancies; and if he will make a statement on these serious matters.

The details of redundancies already effected by the Office of Public Works for the years in question are as per tabular statement which I propose to circulate with the reply. Due to the completion of construction works on the Corrib-Mask-Robe drainage scheme, it is anticipated that it will be necessary to declare a further 25 redundancies on that scheme before the end of 1986.

Following is the statement:

Would the Minister agree that some of the best experts in the Office of Public Works are about to be displaced and made redundant? In view of the fact that there are at least one million acres of land, particularly in the west, needing to be drained, even at this late hour, would the Minister reconsider transferring those people to Dunkellin or other catchment areas in the county to ensure that their expertise is not lost to the State?

It should be understood that while some drainage employees can be retained for maintenance operations and others sometimes can and will be transferred to new construction schemes, employment on drainage generally means employment for the lifetime of a particular scheme only.

Would the Minister agree that some of these people being made redundant are some of the most expert in her Department? Is she aware that some of these have been employed there since 1950 and 1955? Having given that level of service to the State — bearing in mind that the job has not yet been completed — would the Minister agree that there is no way she can justify terminating their employment while ample work remains for them in the western area?

I would agree with the Deputy on both counts. If and when we can continue their employment, transfer or keep them on further maintenance, we will endeavour to do so.

The Minister stated that it was envisaged that 25 workers would be laid off on the Corrib-Mask-Robe drainage scheme. Can the Minister tell the House if it is intended to finish work on that scheme or what percentage of the work originally outlined will be completed?

It is intended that the work will be completed and that it will be necessary to declare a further 25 redundancies by the end of the year.

Can the Minister indicate whether that means that work will be completed there by the end of the year?

Works agreed will be completed. Yes, that is the intention.

Question No. 4.