asked the Minister for the Environment the total Exchequer expenditure to date on the Custom House dock site, Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

An amount of £750,000 has been paid by way of grant-in-aid to the Custom House Docks Development Authority since their establishment on 17 November 1986.

Will the Minister say what proportion that is of the total amount intended to be spent on the site and if he is aware of plans for the development of a STOL port, a short take-off and landing airport, for a site adjacent to the Custom House Dock site and if this or any moneys earmarked for the site by the Government will be used for the development of a STOL port?

Grant-in-aid was paid in the sum of £100,000 in 1986 and £600,000 in 1987.

What proportion is that of the amount earmarked?

The amount earmarked is under a subhead in the general current estimates of the Department each year, the amount of money that is made available by way of grant-in-aid.

How much money will be spent ultimately on the project?

There has been some speculation about that but I expect that between £250 million and £300 million will be spent on the dock site in total. In so far as the short runway or the new type of runway suggested for the area is concerned, I am aware that some consideration is being given to that at present but I am not directly involved in it. I am aware that there are people who are considering it as a possibility.

Have the Government considered the matter yet?

The Deputy knows well that it is not open to the Minister to tell him what the Government are considering.

The Constitution requires that the Government tell the House and that is the purpose of the question. Perhaps the Minister will tell us if he has given consideration to the question of the STOL port.

I am aware that there are people interested in providing that facility. In due course, if and when an application comes before me, I will be happy to answer a question on the matter.