asked the Taoiseach why he declined to receive a deputation consisting of all members of the Dáil and Seanad from the Shannon valley area for the purpose of discussing ways and means of relieving flooding in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Valley: Deputation on Relief of Flooding.
3.
The statement that I declined to receive the deputation referred to in the Deputy's question is inaccurate. Since the Office immediately concerned with the problem of flooding in the Shannon valley is the Office of Public Works, I arranged that the deputation would be received by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance, to whom the duties relating to the administration of the Office are assigned. Deputy K.P. Egan, who had conveyed the request to me, was notified accordingly, and the deputation was received by the Parliamentary Secretary on the 10th instant. A very full discussion of the matter took place, and I have no reason to doubt that the members of the deputation, generally, were satisfied with the arrangements made for their reception.
Is it not a fact that the Taoiseach was requested to receive the deputation so that he himself might be made personally familiar with the hardships suffered by people in the Shannon Valley? Does he not agree that he showed a complete lack of regard for the farming community, especially for those in the Shannon Valley area, by suggesting that it was sufficient for the purpose that they be received by a Parliamentary Secretary who is not a member of the Cabinet?
The majority of the members of the deputation were quite happy to have the opportunity of discussing the problems associated with Shannon flooding with the Department of the Government directly responsible for it.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to raise this matter on the adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.