asked the Minister for Finance the result of the review of arterial drainage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arterial Drainage.
7.
The review of arterial drainage policy, prepared by the Commissioners of Public Works, is under consideration prior to the submission of proposals to the Government. Pending a decision by the Government, it is not possible to state future policy on arterial drainage.
Can the Minister say what the Commissioners of Public Works are reviewing? Is he aware that after the 1945 Act land and preliminary engineering surveys were carried out as well as an assessment of damaged land? The results of these surveys are freely available, so I should be interested to hear what type of review is now being carried out?
This review was started because of the demands made on available capital resources by the many projects competing for funds. The Government decided in October 1982 — the Deputy's party was in office then — that a review of arterial drainage policy should be undertaken to ensure that satisfactory returns from investment in this area would be achieved. It was also considered that a report should be prepared for submission to the Government.
Is it proposed to reexamine and readjust the waiting list for projects under the surveys to which I referred?
I cannot pre-empt the review. Until it is adopted or rejected by the Government, I cannot discuss it. The review was completed and passed on for consideration. However, there are a few question marks hanging over it which have to be sorted out by the Office of Public Works. As was stated on the Estimates for the OPW and Finance, it is hoped that it will be with the Government before the end of the year.
In regard to these reviews, the Government are kicking to touch, playing for time.
I should like to remind the Deputy that this review was started when his party were in power.
They did not tell Deputy Leonard about it.
When my party were in office schemes were not discontinued, as is the case at present.
(Interruptions.)