asked the Minister for Finance whether the Bandon River catchment in County Cork stands on the priority list for arterial drainage by the Office of Public Works; when the scheme for the Bandon River is likely to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Bandon is on the priority list of major catchments to be considered for treatment under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. At this stage, however, due to existing commitments I cannot say when the Bandon might be reached in the drainage programme.