asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the loss of 43 sheep, the property of a person (details supplied) in County Galway arising from extensive flooding recently; and if he will alleviate at least part of the financial loss by the payment of funds similar to payments made to sheep owners in the Galtee Mountains area of Cork, Tipperary and Donegal when sheep were lost in snow drifts some years ago.
Written Answers. - Compensation for Lost Sheep.
63.
I am aware of the case in question and I have had the matter investigated. There are, however, no funds at my disposal from which aid could be granted in respect of the loss of 43 sheep in County Galway arising from recent flooding. The funds referred to by the Deputy in connection with the Galtee Mountains area were provided by the European Community from its disaster relief fund following a widespread blizzard affecting a large number of herdowners. Such Community funds are not available for isolated or individual cases.