asked the Minister for Finance when work is likely to commence on the drainage of the River Suir, County Tipperary.
34.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Drainage Schemes.
33.
asked the Minister for Finance when the plans for the Mulcaire, County Tipperary, river drainage scheme will be available for inspection.
Mr. Kenny
With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
As I stated in the Dáil recently a full cost/benefit study is being undertaken of arterial drainage and the report thereon is expected soon. The question of the preparation of arterial drainage schemes for the catchments referred to will be reviewed in the light of these findings.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the great disquite and anger in the Mulcaire catchment area, which comprises parts of East Limerick and North Tipperary, affecting a population of approximately 15,000 and an acreage of 12,000, and is he aware of the broken promises made in the past 16 years, of promises which were pigeon-holed, declarations of intent——
Speech.
In his deliberations——
Are there two laws of order in this House?
No, Sir, one. The Deputy will please ask a question.
I am asking the Parliamentary Secretary to ensure when he is deliberating on his arterial programme, that these people will be taken into consideration, and that our sincerity will be tested——
This is a disgrace.
Is there one set of rules for the Coalition and one for the Opposition?
No. The Parliamentary Secretary to reply.
(Interruptions).
Mr. Kenny
The present Government are in office for the past two months only.
Get a record made of that.
Mr. Kenny
The Deputy's interest in his constituents will be taken into consideration when this study is completed.
By whom is this much referred to cost/benefit study being carried out? Is it being carried out departmentally or were outside consultants brought in?
Mr. Kenny
This was intiated by the former Government, by the Department of Finance. It is being undertaken by a committee from each of the Departments concerned, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Finance.
It is an interdepartmental committee?
Mr. Kenny
Yes.