asked the Minister for Finance whether arising out of the debate on island holdings in December, 1959 and his statement that an investigation of the existing conditions of island dwellers would be undertaken he will now state if his inquiries are concluded; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions of Island Dwellers.
10.
While the Deputy is going too far in suggesting that I undertook to have a formal investigation made into the existing conditions of island dwellers— and, indeed, my Department has no direct responsibility for these matters— I did, following upon the debate referred to, communicate with the Departments primarily concerned and I brought to their attention the matters raised by Deputies in the course of the debate. I have no doubt that the Departments have these questions under sympathetic consideration and will continue to take such measures as are practicable to deal with the special problems of island communities.
Would the Minister not agree that when speaking in this House on the 2nd of December last he implied that investigations would be carried out and made known to the House? Can he now inform the House that he will be in a position to make a detailed statement on island holdings?
As I informed the Deputy I did ask the various Departments to take note of the debate here in the House and I have not heard from any of them yet. I could not say when I shall be in a position to make a statement.
Will the Minister indicate when he expects to have a report from the various Departments on their findings? I do not want to bind the Minister to anything but I think he should give the House an approximate date.
I am afraid that at this stage I could not give any undertaking.
If I repeat the question in a month's time would he then be able to give us some definite information?
I do not know.