asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that there is a large cesspool situated immediately in front of No. 2 National School, Arva, Co. Cavan; that the Medical Officer of Health for the Arva Dispensary District has certified that the existence of such a cesspool is a public nuisance and a danger to the health of the children attending the school; that this Medical Officer sent in a report on the matter to the Cavan Board of Health almost a year ago; that no action has been taken by the Board of Health as a result of the receipt of this report; whether the Minister has any powers which would enable him to compel the Board of Health to remove or abate this nuisance, and, if so, if he will state what action he intends to take.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - ARVA NATIONAL SCHOOL.
In July last the Medical Officer of Health reported to the Sanitary Authority the obstruction of the drain referred to, and the engineer subsequently reported that the whole drainage system required to be cleared out. No reference to the matter is contained in the last half-yearly report of the Medical Officer, but a complaint raising the general question was received on the 20th ultimo and is at present before the County Board of Health. On the information available it is not clear whether the matter is one of road drainage or of public health sewers, but the case will be watched in the light of any action taken by the County Board of Health at their next meeting.