asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether a decision has yet been reached on the question of coming to the assistance, by means of a grant out of public funds, of those who have suffered loss in the Ballydavid district, County Kerry, owing to the recent very serious fever outbreak; and if not, whether, in view of the great poverty of the district and the heavy burdens already placed on the shoulders of the Kerry ratepayers by board of health charges, he will expedite a favourable decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballydavid Fever Outbreak.
I have been in close touch with the measures taken to deal with the outbreak. There has been no appreciable shortage of food amongst the people in the Ballydavid district, and the situation is being fully met by the board of public assistance, who have acted with commendable promptitude in affording relief where necessary. Arrangements are being made to start special employment schemes in the area.
Is there no other district assistance except the employment schemes that are being arranged by the central authority?
None other is contemplated.
Does that mean that a decision has been come to not to give such relief, or does it mean that the question is still open?
The Deputy may assume that the central authority will not accept financial responsibility for loss or distress consequential upon the outbreak.