asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will appoint, from his Department's staffs at Galway and Westport, two officers to organise and supervise, during the next three months, the despatch of supplies to the islands of Aran, Bofin, Clare, Shark and Turk, so as to remove existing difficulties and to provide against their recurrence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Island Supply Difficulties.
I have received representations that there is a shortage of foodstuffs in Achill and in other areas on the western seaboard. I have arranged for officers of my Department to visit these areas, to take whatever immediate steps are practicable and to report to me as to the further steps that may be necessary in order to relieve any shortages that may be found to exist. When I have received and considered the report of these officers, I will decide what further action, if any, it is necessary to take.
I should say that the transport of supplies from the mainland to the island is a matter for the retail traders concerned or for the domestic consumers where supplies are purchased by the islanders from retailers on the mainland.