asked the Minister for Local Government if he has had a number of memorials from Parish Committees in North-West Donegal respecting the distress which exists in these districts, and if he would make a statement to the Dáil setting out the arrangements which his Department have in hand: (1) To meet the distress existing; (2) To provide grain and seed potatoes for these districts?
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DISTRESS IN NORTH-WEST DONEGAL.
The representations referred to have been received. A Roads Inspector has been specially detailed to visit the areas referred to in conjunction with the local Inspector, who has been keeping the Ministry informed as to the general position in Tirconaill.
I am in communication with the Minister for Finance on the question of the sums available for the relief of distress as distinct from grants for road improvement and bridge schemes. The Deputy may be assured that everything possible is being done, and that so soon as I am in a position to do so, very careful consideration will be given to his representations. As to the provision of grain and seed potatoes, I am in correspondence with the Minister for Agriculture on the general question of reported shortages.
As a supplementary question, I would like to ask the Minister for Local Government, if like distress prevails in West Galway and Mayo, whether the provisions intended to apply to Donegal in the carrying out of necessary works should also apply to Mayo and Galway.
I have heard conflicting reports on these various areas. The whole matter will have my consideration at an early date.