asked the Minister for Finance the amount of silt removed from the Meelick Weir on the river Shannon in 1986; the length of time the machinery was in operation; if the work carried out was successful; if he is aware of the quantity of silt which is in the new cut at Meelick; and if his Department have any plans to remove it.

Meelick Weir is 1,000 feet long. In August 1986 a floating excavator was in operation for five days to remove accumulated weed growth and a small amount of silt from the upstream side of the weir. The works were completed satisfactorily. I am not aware of a silt problem in the new cut at Meelick.

I compliment the Minister and the Minister of State for the improvement works carried out at Meelick Weir in August 1986.

Is the Minister aware of the tremendous advantages that even this small amount of work brought and the contribution it made towards lowering the level of the river and would he request his Department to carry out a detailed survey of what is known as the new cut? This is a river which was sunk many years ago but which has now completely silted up as a result of silt from Bord na Móna. Would the Minister have this river surveyed with a view to having the silt removed, thereby lowering the level of the river Shannon still further?

Is the Minister aware that a considerable amount of land along the Shannon has been flooded for the last two years?

I am glad to know the value that has been obtained from the work carried out. I am aware of the Deputy's representations which dealt with it——

This is back scratching exercise No. 1.

I undertake to investigate the statement the Deputy has made that there is a silt problem in the new cut. However, my information is to the contrary.

Question No. 8.