asked the President if he received a deputation of native Irish speakers from the Irish-speaking districts in Galway in the end of March; and whether they made to him a statement of things which required to be done to improve the economic conditions in the Gaeltacht; and if so, whether he will state what recommendations were made to him by the deputation and what steps he proposes to take to have any of these recommendations carried out.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Economic Conditions in Gaeltacht.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The views put forward by the deputation and my reply were indicated in a statement issued from my Department and published in the daily newspapers on 2nd April, 1934. No doubt the Deputy will be able to look that up.
Does the President include in that the statements contained in the leading article of the Irish Press, which said it was unthinkable that the Irish speakers should be provided for by being given a living outside the Irish-speaking districts?
What I have indicated in this reply is that an official statement was issued from our Department and that is the only thing for which I have any responsibility.
Will the President say if there is any other Department of the Ministry that is responsible for keeping under review the economic conditions in the Irish-speaking districts?
There is, of course.
What is that particular Department?
The Department of the Minister for Lands and Forestry.
Is it intended that that Department will at any time issue a special or an annual report on the economic conditions in the Irish-speaking districts?
I do not think there is any question of issuing a report, but the matter is constantly under review.
Will the President say if the Commissioner for the Gaeltacht has made any report as to the economic conditions in the Gaeltacht and whether that report will be published?
That is another question.
Is the President prepared to carry out his promise to make special provision for Gaeltacht workers in the new beet factories and will be consider the claims of Donegal migratory labourers who cannot find work in Scotland?
That is a separate question.