asked the Taoiseach if he is aware of the serious decline in population along the western seaboard; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Seaboard Population.
1.
A comprehensive reply to the Deputy's question would be of inordinate length. I would suggest that he await the debates on the Estimates for the various Departments, when Ministers will detail the Government's plans for the development of the West.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the Bishops of the western dioceses are seriously concerned about this question and that a committee known as the Defence of the West Committee has been formed? Does the Taoiseach not regard this whole situation as very serious when the Bishops along the western seaboard found it necessary to support this Committee? What emergency steps, apart from the ordinary measures over the years, does the Taoiseach propose to take to deal with it?
As far as I can remember, I received no communication from the Committee to which the Deputy refers.