asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state the number of improvement schemes submitted to his Department for a grant under the Relief Schemes Vote, 1930, in respect of the estate of the Earl of Leitrim, Co. Donegal; whether any of these schemes have been approved; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons why they have been rejected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief Vote Schemes in Donegal.
A number of applications for grants under the Vote for the Relief of Unemployment and Distress was received in respect of works situated on the estate of the Earl of Leitrim. One such work has been undertaken out of funds provided by the Relief Vote, being the completion of a road partly made under a previous similar Vote.
As the estate of the Earl of Leitrim is the subject of proceedings under the Land Act, 1923, any necessary improvement works thereon will be considered in connection with expenditure out of the Improvement sub-head of the Land Commission Vote.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a big lot of unemployment exists on this estate, particularly in the Lough Keel, Termon and Rossguill district? In view of that condition of things, will the Parliamentary Secretary state the reason why money out of the Relief Schemes Vote has not been applied?
There is no more money available from the Relief Vote for the purpose of carrying out further relief schemes of this kind. This is a 1923 Land Act estate, and the improvement works, of course, will normally be carried out from moneys out of the Improvement Fund.
Does that mean that none of the money out of the Relief Schemes Vote has been allocated for estates not yet vested under the 1923 Land Act?
Generally speaking, that is true.
That was not mentioned or specified when the Vote was passed; there was no limitation like that set out. I might point out that some of these estates are situated in the most poverty-stricken districts of the country. I do not think it is reasonable that they should be excluded from the Relief Schemes Vote.
One such work was undertaken, and the other works will be undertaken in the normal manner.