, Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 to 69 together. A scheme to enable the 17 families named to transfer from Turbot Island to the mainland has been approved by the Government. So far six suitable plots on which it is hoped to house seven or eight families have been located on the mainland and arrangements are currently being made to purchase these plots. The particular families to be housed on these sites have not yet been selected. Efforts to locate other suitable sites are continuing.
Construction of the houses will commence as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made after the execution of the legal transfer of the plots to Land Commission. One of the islanders has purchased his own site on the mainland and has been authorised to commence building. Another is interested also in building his own house and definite proposals to this end are awaited.