asked the Minister for Finance the stage at which the Mulcair drainage scheme in County Limerick is at at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The preparation of a drainage scheme for the Mulcair catchment area is well advanced and it is expected that a preliminary design and cost estimate will be completed in 1989.

Before any decision can be made to proceed with a scheme it will be necessary to subject it to full economic and environmental impact analyses. Pending the outcome of these investigations I am not in a position to say when a scheme for the Mulcair catchment might commence.

(Limerick East): How many head of staff are working on the design of the Mulcair?

When answering a similar question from the Deputy some months ago I gave him that information and the position has not changed since then.

(Limerick East): Are more than two people engaged on that work?

Yes, more than two.