asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that in some of the tillage areas of Co. Monaghan and in other areas of the Saorstát as well, owing to the incessant rains of the spring and early summer, and the heavy cold and retentive soil of the districts, farmers were unable to get any potatoes planted, and the oats are a total failure, and that consequently there will be no harvest this season for them; and whether the Executive Council will undertake to inquire into the whole situation; and, if necessary, to introduce in the autumn session proposals for legislation to provide these people with assistance until next harvest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Farmers' Losses.
Reports on the state of all crops are received each week from every district by the Department of Agriculture, and these reports go to show that in some areas the oat and potato crops are backward, but there is nothing in the reports to indicate that in any district farmers have been unable to get potatoes planted, or that oats have been a total failure. The Department are keeping in close touch with the general situation, and I am having further inquiries made in the matter.