asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has yet received a report from the inspector of his Department who visited the lands in County Clare which have been flooded as a result of the Shannon scheme; and, if so, if he will state when it is likely that compensation will be paid to the people in this area whose lands have been flooded.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Shannon Flooded Lands.
All claims in respect of lands in County Clare, with the exception of a small number which were recently received, have been investigated by my Department, and in the majority of cases the necessary discussions regarding the amount of compensation to be paid have taken place between officers of my Department and the applicants concerned. Certain cases in which it seems unlikely that agreement can be reached must be referred to arbitration. When the amount of compensation has been fixed, either by arbitration or by agreement, an investigation of title is necessary and deeds of transfer must be completed. I am not at the moment in a position to reply to the last part of the Deputy's question, but I can assure him that there will be no avoidable delay.