asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that funerals from Rossport to Pulathomas, Erris, County Mayo, are obliged to cross the Rossport Ferry, and that in stormy weather funerals are delayed for several days; whether he is aware that a number of civilians and a member of the Gárda Síochána lost their lives in crossing this ferry, and whether he will state if it is the intention of the Board of Works to erect a suitable bridge across the river at this point.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pulathomas, Erris (County Mayo) Bridge.
The Minister's attention has not been called to the facts mentioned in the question, but so far as the question of the safety of the public is concerned, the provision of suitable means of communication would seem to be a matter for the consideration of the local authority. An application for the repair of Rossport Pier was made by Deputy Ruttledge, Minister for Justice, in January, 1937, and is at present under consideration in connection with the Employment Schemes Vote. It is anticipated that an engineer will visit the district to report on this proposal in the near future and he will be asked to give his views as to the feasibility of erecting a bridge to connect with the Pula-thomas shore. An examination of the map of the area, however, would seem to indicate that the erection of a bridge at or near this point, if practicable, would involve a major engineering work running into an expenditure altogether incommensurate with any benefit which would be likely to result.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I wonder could the Minister tell us whether he remarked that the industry of the members of the Fianna Fáil Party in pressing minor relief works arises from the confidential letter that was addressed to them by the Board of Works urging them to put in their proposals before the Opposition Deputies had time to make application; does he know that this confidential letter was issued the 5th April, 1937?
That is a separate question.
It may be, but it is an extremely interesting document.
Many extremely interesting documents may be out of order at a certain time.
Well, an opportunity will arise on the Estimates.
May I point out that this application was made in January, 1937?
Might I draw your attention, Sir, to the practice of abusing question time in making general statements and getting entirely away from the question?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this confidential document was issued from the Board of Works?
Is it on the Order Paper?
No, but it will be.