(An Clár) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is yet in a position to state what decision has been arrived at by his Department in respect of the claims for compensation made by Mr. Patrick Minogue, Ballyminogue, Scariff, and others, for land submerged because of the operations of the Shannon scheme in that district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Flooding.
The engineers' report in respect of Mr. P. Minogue's claim for compensation is at present under consideration and a decision will be made shortly. If it should be decided to acquire any land from Patrick Minogue the Department's valuer will be instructed to call upon him to discuss with him the matter of compensation.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Minister aware that on 24th April last he wrote me the substance of what he has read out in his answer now? He stated on that date: "It is understood this work will be completed by the end of next month or a little later and the engineers will then be in a position to collate their information and formulate their plans." The letter went on to say: "The Minister issued instructions some months ago that no time should be lost in bringing the inquiry to a conclusion and I am to inform you that the inquiry is at present in an advanced stage." That was on 24th April last. Six months have since elapsed. Will the Minister tell us how soon he expects this man will be in a position to get some compensation for his land a considerable portion of which has been destroyed?
I cannot name any date.
Can the Minister give the acreage of land so affected in the same way?
No.
Will the Minister deny the fact that roughly 5,000 acres are affected in this way?
Hearing it from the Deputy is, I think, prima facie against it.
Mr. Hogan
Has the Minister any definite information as to the loss this man is incurring since his land was submerged?
That is a general question.
Mr. Hogan
It is so general that I shall keep on repeating it until the Minister does something.
The Deputy will have to put a precise question on the paper.