asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when the survey for the arterial drainage scheme on the Suck catchment area is likely to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - River Suck Drainage.
I am not in a position to say when a survey of the River Suck catchment is likely to commence.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that his predecessor stated that a first survey party would be on the River Suck in April or May of this year and if he is prepared to carry out the promise made by his predecessor to this effect?
I am not responsible for statements made by anybody, other than myself, and I do not know whether a definite promise was made or not, but the position as I see it regarding all this arterial drainage business is that, with the survey staff not up to the strength we would wish, but which we hope to have, and with machinery and other equipment not up to standard either, I cannot give the Deputy any more favourable reply than I have given.
It is an extraordinary state of affairs that as soon as a change of Government takes place, drainage work ceases.
Promises cease.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that at this moment the Tinnecarra Rock is in process of removal and that the Suck, Lough Cara and Mantua drain into the drainage area which the Tinnecarra Rock is being removed to clear?
I am aware of a whole lot of things and I should be delighted if time permitted to enable us to have a debate on the Adjournment when I would be able to give a much more satisfactory reply.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Parliamentary Secretary raising it on the Adjournment?
It is not debates on the Adjournment we want. We want to see the drainage done. With your permission, Sir, I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I will consider the matter, and I hope that the Deputy will consider that the Adjournment is at midnight.
Even if it is 2 o'clock in the morning, we will be glad to have a chat with the Parliamentary Secretary about it.