asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention has been directed to the proposed drainage scheme in the Dromore area set out in his letter of 16th January, 1929, 518/29; and, whether, in view of the existence of this scheme he would approach the county councils named therein with a view to putting the work in hand in the shape of a scheme for the relief of unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dromore Area Drainage.
As the Deputy was informed in the Dáil on 24th November last there are technical and financial considerations in the way of preparing a drainage scheme for the Dromore area and pending the advent of any new legislation which may result from the deliberations of the Drainage Commission it is not practicable to take any effective steps for the improvement of the drainage in the district. Apart from these reasons the magnitude of the proposal would render it unsuitable for consideration as a scheme for the relief of unemployment.
The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that in 1929 the Board of Works did approve a scheme and were prepared to go on with it conditional upon the consent of the county councils concerned. In view of the altered circumstances, would the Board of Works consider reviving that proposal with a view to securing the co-operation of the county councils concerned now?
The cost of the scheme was then estimated at somewhere about £13,000. The latest estimate is over £40,000.
An estimate has recently been given of the same scheme?
Yes. That is the estimate for doing the work which is required. It is a very difficult question and, with every possible respect, the Deputy will not improve it by pressing it at the moment.
I take it that the Parliamentary Secretary implies by that that it is his intention to do the drainage at the earliest practicable moment?
It is my intention to do all drainage at the earliest practicable moment.
Am I correct in assuming from the Parliamentary Secretary's suggestion that it is not expedient to press this matter now, that it is the intention of the Board of Works to do the Dromore drainage scheme at the earliest practicable moment?
I have already answered that question.
The Parliamentary Secretary might have the courtesy to reply "yes" or "no" to that categorical inquiry.
In so far as the greater must include the lesser, I have already answered that question.
The Parliamentary Secretary pleases to be discourteous.