Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 19 Jul 1945

Vol. 97 No. 25

Supplementary Estimate. - Vote 72—Alleviation of Distress.

The Taoiseach

I move:—

That a sum not exceeding £3,000,000 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending 31st March, 1946, for the Alleviation of Distress in Europe due to War.

On the 18th May I gave the Dáil particulars of the foodstuffs and other supplies which we proposed to allocate for the relief of the distressed populations in Europe. I gave the Dáil on that occasion particulars of the various articles and quantities involved. These have since been published widely and are probably already fully familiar to Deputies, so that I need hardly go into that aspect of the matter again.

This Vote of £3,000,000 is required to provide for the expenditure which may be involved. The Vote covers the cost of foodstuffs, live stock and other commodities included in the offer, as well as whatever expenditure it is necessary to incur on preparing for their shipment and transporting them to their destinations. The Vote does not cover the cost of certain commodities like blankets and cooking apparatus, to the value of £86,000, which form part of stocks held by the Department of Defence.

The French, Italian, Belgian and Dutch Governments have accepted our offer to make available certain quantities of food and other products by way of aid to their suffering populations. They have also assured us that the necessary shipping will be forthcoming with the least possible delay. A difficulty has arisen with regard to the supply of tin for tinning meat, but it is hoped that at least a small amount may be procured by the Governments interested.

The distribution amongst the four countries concerned of the products available is being arranged according to the most urgent needs of the different populations concerned, though it must be said that any one of the Governments could take the total supplies available here and still be very far indeed from meeting the urgent needs of the population. The requirements of Europe during the coming year in money value would reach a total of several hundred million pounds, and it can be seen how relatively small our contribution is going to be. The main burden of sending food to Europe falls on the United States and Great Britain, especially on the former, though Sweden and Switzerland have already taken a splendid part in the work of relief. We are trying to do our share.

Mr. Dillon

I think it would be expedient for the Taoiseach to clarify this, that such food as we send to Europe is being sent as a gift.

The Taoiseach

It is being given as a gift, but I understand that some of the nations have indicated that they may like to pay later on.

Mr. Dillon

I think that point requires to be clarified, that in so far as this plan to help the afflicted of Europe is concerned, we want no profit. On the other hand, we have no desire to thrust charity on those who feel there is something unbecoming in receiving assistance except in exchange for payment. I think some measure of publicity is necessary to explain to our people that our modest contribution is designed as relief. There are some people who misunderstand the magnitude of the problem with which the world is faced and who tend to suggest that the first duty is to those at home. If they knew how great is the need of those who are hungry at present, I believe the understanding of the scheme adumbrated by this Estimate would be more complete.

The Taoiseach

I do not think I have anything to add to what I have said already. I have made Deputy Dillon's point clear, that these foodstuffs are being given as a gift but, as he said, we are not going to force the gift on anybody and some have indicated that they may wish later to pay for the goods received.

Mr. Dillon

Would the Taoiseach consider taking some suitable step to bring home the measure of the want which this contribution is designed to relieve? I am afraid there is misunderstanding in some parts of the country in regard to the reduction of the sugar ration.

Mr. Blowick

Lots of people do not know why relief should be given and they are chiding Deputies for consenting to such a thing.

The Taoiseach

I think Deputies ought to understand the situation of Europe sufficiently to be able to explain it.

Mr. Blowick

The trouble is that they will not take our explanation.

The Taoiseach

You will always find some people who will not do that, but at least you can say to them that they have been saved; that Providence has saved them from the effects of a disastrous war; that as human beings they have responsibilities to other human beings and, whilst other nations have had to undergo all the horrors of war, we have been saved here. You can ask them whether they are not willing voluntarily to make these sacrifices for the sake of fellow human beings who are suffering.

Mr. Cosgrave

As regards the cattle that are being bought, is it portion of the Government's duty to purchase these cattle or do independent contractors buy them for the purpose of relief in Europe?

The Taoiseach

I am sorry I cannot give the Deputy that information at at the moment. If he will submit a question on the subject I shall give him full information. I cannot give that information offhand. I do not know what arrangements are in operation to do what the Deputy has referred to.

Question put and agreed to.

Vote reported and agreed to.