I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.
The issues raised by the Deputy are the day-to-day responsibility of the North-South body, Waterways Ireland, an implementation body established under the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 and co-sponsored by my Department and the Department of Culture Arts, and Leisure in the North.
I understand from Waterways Ireland that the third and final phase of the Royal Canal restoration programme is under way. Waterways Ireland expects the Royal Canal to be fully navigable in 2008 and is satisfied that adequate capital funding is available to fully restore the canal. I understand that in the eastern region Royal Canal rural area, which includes County Westmeath, there is one vacancy in the approved staffing structure which will be filled on a full-time basis. The employment of contractors to meet specific needs arising is an operational matter for Waterways Ireland and my Department is not involved.