asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when it is proposed to start work on the Nenagh River.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nenagh River Drainage.
asked the Minister for Finance if the drainage of the Nenagh River has been sanctioned by his Department; and, if so, when it is proposed to start the work.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state when work is likely to commence on the scheme for the drainage of the Nenagh River, County Tipperary, known as the Nenagh minor catchment area drainage scheme.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 28, 29 and 30 together.
The preparation of a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, for the Nenagh catchment is now almost complete but, pending compliance with the statutory requirements as regards exhibition and confirmation of the scheme, I cannot say when works can be begun.
Do I understand the Parliamentary Secretary to say that he cannot state when the works will commence?
I cannot make a definite statement because we have to comply with the statutory regulations. The plans and designs have been almost completed and they will be sent after consideration by the commissioners for confirmation by the Minister. As regards exhibition, the exhibition takes at least three months to allow of observations by the local authorities and a month is also givento people interested in the area. Some time elapses, from our experience, after that before the work can begin. If things go as expected it is likely that the work can commence about the end of July, 1954.
Arising further out of the reply, will the Parliamentary Secretary be good enough, if he knows it, to give the name and the grade of the officer in the Board of Works who was responsible for supplying the details of questions put down by Deputies from this side of the House to the Fianna Fáil headquarters or to Fianna Fáil Deputies?
I deny that any such thing has occurred in this case so far as my office is concerned. So far as my information goes, some of the other questions were in as soon, if not even before, Deputy Morrissey's question.
That is a matter I can take up with the Ceann Comhairle and the office. However, I have not a shadow of doubt in my mind that these two questions from my two colleagues were put down following on my question going in.
I can only say that, as far as my knowledge goes, that is not at all correct.
I have a knowledge of this area as well as the Deputy and I will put down a question any time I like.
You are quite right.
Anyhow it will not hasten the date of the commencement of the work.
There is no harm in exposing some of the little tricks occasionally. Do not let it happen again.