asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is general complaint in Connemara about the insufficiency of the official ration of flour, and if he will sanction an increase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flour Ration.
I am not aware of any general complaint in Connemara about the insufficiency of the official ration of flour. I would, however, refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of the 23rd November, when I gave an assurance that I was prepared to extend the present categories of persons to whom supplementary allowances are granted, if such a step was found necessary in order that need might not arise.
Will the Minister make inquiry into this allegation of general complaint? Over the week-end I have had several complaints about the insufficiency of the flour allowance, and the facilities to which the Minister refers in relation to heavy manual workers do not cover the need by any means. There are people doing heavy manual labour who are not in any organised groups and who are not employed under any public employment scheme.
Might I suggest that if the Deputy wishes to collaborate with me in averting the possibility of need that the first thing he should do is to send me particulars of the cases to which his attention has been directed, and I assure him that I shall have them most closely and sympathetically investigated?
The Minister's reply seems to indicate that the cases are few in number. My point is that they have a general application. Again, I could not send a list of all the cases that are affected.
Why?
Because this thing is widespread and everybody is complaining that the allocation of flour is not at all sufficient. The Minister must be aware that not every family can have a mid-day meal of bacon and cabbage and there are many people who have to depend on bread for the three meals.
Will the Deputy send me particulars of any cases that have been brought to his attention?
Send the Minister a copy of the register.
That is a constructive proposal, coming from the ex-Minister for Agriculture; he is really helpful.