asked the Minister for Finance what assistance has been provided in the past six months by the Exchequer for the relief of distress in the Six Counties; and whether money for any other purpose in the Six Counties has been provided during the same period stating the amount, if any, and to whom it was paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Northern Distress Relief.
7.
No assistance has been provided by the Exchequer for the relief of distress in the Six Counties in the past six months, nor has money been provided for any other purpose in the Six Counties during this period.
Was it not suggested here at some stage that moneys were to be provided? If they are to be provided, will the Dáil have an opportunity of discussing this before the moneys are provided?
There was a reference to the provision of this money when the Taoiseach answered a question on this the other day but no such moneys have been provided as yet, at any rate.
Is the Minister not aware that such funds for the relief of distress are more needed now than, perhaps, at any other time during the past three years? Perhaps the Minister would consider favourably the suggestion that some assistance should be made available from the Exchequer or that there should be an opportunity given in the House to consider whether it is necessary or not.
The Deputy will appreciate that although the question and the reply relate to money from the Exchequer there are other sources, including the Red Cross, making money available. As regards a discussion on this matter, that is a matter in the first instance for the Taoiseach, as Leader of the House, and for the Whips of the parties as to the business to be ordered.
Could the Minister say to whom the Red Cross is making money available?
I think the House is left in some confusion as a result of the Taoiseach's statement and the Minister's statement just now. Do the Government intend to provide money for the relief of distress or not and, if they do not, why does the Taoiseach indicate that they do?
I think that is a separate question. The question was: has money been provided.
It is relevant.
Is it true that after the Taoiseach had made this announcement that money would be provided the British Government rapped this Government on the knuckles and that that is why it is not being provided?
I am certainly not aware of the truth of the allegation made by the Deputy in the first part of his supplementary. As regards the second part, it should be obvious even to Deputy L'Estrange that there have been certain changes in the situation since then.