asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he has recently received a report from the County Medical Officer of Health for Cork regarding the need of an adequate public water supply for the town of Charleville, in which he pointed out that the sanitary conditions were appalling and a menace to the town and district; whether the Minister recently received a unanimous demand from the North Cork Board of Health for a sworn inquiry into the sanitary conditions of Charleville, and the need of providing an adequate water supply, and whether he will state what action he proposes to take in these matters.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CHARLEVILLE WATER SUPPLY.
A copy of the report on the sanitation of Charleville made by the County Medical Officer of Health to the local sanitary authority has been received and is under consideration. As at present advised, however, I am not satisfied that an inquiry as proposed would result in materially supplementing the information already in the possession of the local authority who are responsible for the initiation of sanitary improvements.
Is the Minister aware that in the town of Charleville there are four schools; that the sanitary conditions there are most shocking, and to avoid the breaking out of an epidemic would he expedite the water scheme which is in contemplation?
I do not know anything about the water scheme, but the Deputy can put down another question if he wishes. The matter is really the business of the local authority, and it is a matter of putting pressure on them to do their duty.