asked the Minister for Finance if he will make available the list of proposed coast erosion works prepared and completed recently by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Erosion.
7.
In the ordinary course, a record is kept in my Office of all applications related to coast protection works but that cannot be regarded as a list of proposed coast erosion works. It may not indeed be the basis for selection or promotion of schemes. As was explained by my predecessor in reply to a question by the Deputy in March, 1961, that record is not considered to be fully indicative of the problem. I am satisfied that it would be unhelpful and misleading to publish it.
I suggest to the Deputy that he should await the new Coast Protection Bill which is being prepared for introduction to the House shortly.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how shortly will it be? When will that legislation be introduced?
As soon as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not a problem for my Department alone. Other Government Departments—the Department of Local Government, the Department of Transport and Power, and particularly the Department of Finance—will have to be consulted.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if it will be introduced during this session?
I am very hopeful. I expect it will be introduced this year.
This year, but not this session?
This year.
I am pleased to have that on record.
8.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the very serious damage occurring in County Kerry from tidal erosions; and what are the future plans of the Department to effect permanent protection to public and private property.
As I stated here recently, a Coast Protection Bill will be introduced this year.