asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has now completed inquiries as to the gravity of sheep losses by farmers in West Mayo, Galway, Clare, Donegal and Kerry during the blizzard last February; and, if so, if he will state the number of farmers in each county who suffered (a) total loss of their flocks and (b) partial but serious loss; and, further, if he will indicate whether the Government intend to extend any financial assistance to those who suffered such loss; and, if so, on what terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheep Losses.
Mr. Walsh
Reports to my Department covering all areas, including the western districts, indicate that there were no abnormal sheep losses by farmers last February. The position does not call for any special relief measures by the Government.
Did the reports which the Minister got include, in many cases, reports of total losses in the district of West Mayo?
Mr. Walsh
We had three reports of losses from the West.
Of total losses?
Mr. Walsh
Of total losses?
Of partial losses?
Mr. Walsh
Do you mean a farmer's total losses?
Total losses.
Mr. Walsh
All his stock?
Yes.
Mr. Walsh
No. No such report came to the Department.
Did the Minister's officials visit the Murrisk, Louisburg, Derrymore and Cushlough areas?
Mr. Walsh
Yes.
I have seen lorries laden with the skins of dead sheep taken away.
Mr. Walsh
Can the Deputy supply the names?
I can give the Minister 60 names in connection with total losses and 70 to 80 per cent. losses. The people concerned are dependent on their sheep flocks. This sort of thing is recurring every seven or eight years. I suggest that the Minister should have a further investigation carried out in the areas I have named and that he should make some small sum of money available to those people. Otherwise, they will be compelled to sell out and leave the country.
Mr. Walsh
We have investigated the losses and we have had three reports of losses.
In Mayo?
Mr. Walsh
One in Mayo and two in Connemara. Let the Deputy send on the names.
The losses are so heavy that some of the people may have to sell out.