asked the Minister for Finance if he will give an assurance that the machinery now in use in the Brick and Cashen drainage scheme will be moved south for the drainage of the Maine according as the North Kerry scheme nears completion.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Drainage of River Maine.
No such assurance could be given. Much of the machinery in use on the Feale scheme would be altogether unsuitable for use on the smaller channels of the Maine. The Deputy may take it, however, that the necessary machinery will be available for work on the Maine when that scheme is confirmed in accordance with the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945.
May I take it that as soon as the Brick and Cashen drainage is completed, or near completion, the drainage of the Maine will then take place?
I have stated that the drainage will take place when the scheme is confirmed in accordance with the provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. Whether that will be before the completion of the Brick and Cashen or after its completion, I do not at present know.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary appreciate that a deputation composed of all the Deputies representing Kerry and the chairman, vice-chairman and members of the county council interviewed him and the Minister for Lands about a year ago in connection with this matter? If all are agreed that the drainage of the Maine should take place after the Brick and Cashen, will the Parliamentary Secretary not now give an assurance that as soon as the drainage of the Brick and Cashen has been completed he will realise the necessity for draining the River Maine?
Arising out of the Parliamentary Secretary's reply——
The Parliamentary Secretary did not give a reply.
——is he not aware of a notice of motion on the Order Paper for the past four months in regard to this matter and that this question is now out-of-date? It is about time this make-believe should stop.
I have not had an answer from the Parliamentary Secretary. Am I entitled to get an answer to my question?
The Deputy has asked a question. I cannot force a reply.
Am I not entitled then to get a reply to my supplementary question?
The Deputy is entitled to ask a question.
The Deputy is well aware that the Maine is now under survey.
I know that.
The people of Kerry know it, too.
He is four months late. I would refer the Deputy to the motion on the Order Paper.
It was about time. For 16 years you never did a thing there until we got on to it.