asked the Taoiseach whether he will arrange to have funding made available through the National Heritage Council to enable a survey of the industrial archaeology of County Cork to be completed following the launch of the pilot survey of Cork city and its environs.

I understand that the National Heritage Council have received an application for funding in respect of this project and that this is being considered at the moment. The council have complete independence in their assessment of heritage projects, and in deciding on their priorities for assisting such projects.

It will be interesting to get the Taoiseach's views on this issue. Will the Taoiseach accept that this subject is of more than academic interest and that there is a future in tourism for the development of archaeological tours and that from that point of view any investment in archaeological research or surveys is a good one?

The most helpful and most judicious thing I can do is convey the Deputy's views to the Heritage Council.

I will appreciate that. The Taoiseach might support them as well.

Let us proceed now to questions nominated for priority.