asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health to state what action he proposes to take to preserve the Abbey Burial Grounds at Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry, from which bodies have been continually taken away by the sea for the past four years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abbey Burial Ground (Ballinskelligs).
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to him on this subject on the 20th May, 1931. The Commissioner, acting as the Board of Health and Public Assistance in Kerry, has approved of the plans and specifications for the proposed work.
Mr. O'Reilly
Is the Minister aware that 250 square yards of human remains have been washed away by the sea for the past three years? Considering that the Minister has not approached this matter from a Christian point of view I would ask him: will he take into consideration the inconvenience caused to farmers in the locality through neglect to maintain the protecting wall, because of the fact that for a week after every spring tide in the winter and spring months they can make no use of their dogs as they are engaged in polishing off the remains washed away by the sea?
I do not understand what the Deputy has in his mind. The Commissioner has approved of plans for carrying out the proposed work.
Mr. O'Reilly
The plans were prepared three years ago, but nothing has been done since.
A lot has happened in Kerry since then.
Mr. O'Reilly
The county council appointed a contractor, but the Commissioner determined the contract twelve months ago and nothing was done since.
For a good reason, but they could enter into another contract.
Mr. O'Reilly
Why has it not been advertised since then?