asked the Minister for Lands whether any general scheme for the relief of the farmers in the flooded area of the Shannon has been prepared by his Department and, if so, if he will make a statement outlining its nature and scope.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Flooding Relief Scheme.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement made in Dáil Éireann on the 24th of last month, as reported in column 742 of Volume 149.
I put the question down for the Minister for Lands and I was informed that it would be on the Order Paper yesterday, but, in fact, the Minister was absent. I put it down for to-day in the belief that the Minister would be here to answer it to-day. I am concerned with the statement made by the Minister for Lands at Banagher on 9th January when, in reply to suggestions made there, he stated that in all cases where farmers in the flooded areas were given accommodation land to enable them to erect houses and out-offices, they would be given a full cost grant, or that, alternatively, the houses would be built for them. I want to elicit information on that point, as well as other information as to the nature and scope of what it is proposed to do for these people.
If the Deputy lacks information, I shall be happy to give it to him. The scheme proposed provides for the transfer to alternative holdings outside the Shannon valley area of those who wish to leave. It further provides for the provision of housing above the ascertained flood line for those whose houses are at present liable to inundation and that will be done. Does that meet the Deputy's requirements?
Is the Minister aware that previously farmers in the flooded areas were given accommodation land but did not get a full cost grant to erect their houses and out-offices, and consequently they are still in the flooded area? Will it be made retrospective so far as these people are concerned?
That is a degree of detail on which I am not informed. I will perhaps be able to get that information for the Deputy when the Minister is available.
When I asked the Minister in Banagher, he said that that difficulty was being got over.
If the Deputy would put down the question again for answer, the Minister will be available to give him that information. I should be grateful if the Deputy would express in his question the exact nature of the detailed information he requires.