asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the appalling conditions under which inhabitants of the Aran Islands are living at present and that the services provided under the Vote for Gaeltacht Services are entirely inadequate and have failed completely to remove the primitive conditions under which the islanders are compelled to live; and, if so, whether his Department have any concrete proposals for the general betterment of life on the islands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions on Aran Islands.
Conditions on the Aran Islands are not as represented by the Deputy. The islanders are a hardworking, healthy race who are, as always, taking advantage of Government schemes to improve their housing conditions, earning power, etc. There are 17 new houses in course of erection at the moment while a sum of £4,630 has been sanctioned for buildings. During the last three years the islanders have taken advantage of the scheme for the purchase of sea rods to the following extent: 1948-49, £194; 1949-50, £226; 1950-51, £784. Rural industries are also encouraged and £4,161 has been earned by those engaged in this work over the past three years.
With your permission, a Leas-Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
That reply has special merits for the by-election.
Is the Deputy sorry that the islanders are doing so well?
Move the writ.