asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when it is intended to introduce legislation to deal with the problem of drainage in the Saorstát, with particular attention to district schemes; if such legislation will be passed before the Christmas adjournment, and, further, if he does not regard this as an essential method of relieving unemployment in rural districts.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DRAINAGE SCHEMES IN THE SAORSTÁT.
The best way in which future schemes of drainage may be initiated, executed, maintained and managed is under discussion between the Departments concerned, and it is hoped to have the preparation of a Bill completed at an early date. The introduction and progress of the measure will depend partly upon the amount of other business before the Oireachtas, but the Bill will be pressed forward when ready.
The value of drainage work as a method of relieving unemployment is fully recognised.
Am I to understand from that answer that this measure may not be under consideration until many other Bills have passed through the Dáil, say, until next summer, or am I to understand that this measure is under consideration now and may be introduced and probably passed here before Christmas?
I do not think we could have it passed before Christmas. A draft of the measure has been prepared, but it is not yet in a state that it could be introduced into the Dáil. I would not like just at present to give the approximate date, but it should be introduced long before Summer.