asked the Taoiseach the population of Connacht in 1926, 1956 and at the latest available date; the reasons for the decline; and if the Government have any special policy to arrest the decline.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Connacht Population.
1.
The following are particulars of the population of Connacht according to the censuses of 1926, 1956 and 1966: 1926, 552, 907; 1956, 446, 221; 1966, 401, 950. It would not be possible to isolate general reasons for the decreases.
The Third Programme for Economic and Social Development outlines the Government's continuing plans for the development of the western areas, including Connacht. In forthcoming debates on Estimates for the various Departments, Ministers will detail the Government's plans.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply and due to the fact that almost 200,000 people have been driven out of this country since Fianna Fáil first came into office, will the Taoiseach not agree that the policy of a Fianna Fáil conservative Government, led by a conservative Taoiseach, is doing untold harm to this country, and especially to the west? Will the Taoiseach not further agree that, since the dead hand of Fianna Fáil came into operation in 1932, they have done more harm to the economy of this country than ever Cromwell did?
"To hell or to Connaught".
The Deputy seems to have got inspiration from West-minster for his usual claptrap. Compared with the Deputy's Party, I am a rip-roaring socialist, I can assure him.
Is the Taoiseach aware that his policy for saving the west has been and is a complete failure? Would the Taoiseach not further agree that the Fianna Fail people are now not even interested in the west, or in the people of Ireland, or in saving the west?
Rubbish.
Has not Fianna Fáil policy been a failure? Almost 200,000 people were driven over to Britain.
Question No. 2. We cannot have a speech on this.
Arising out of the Taoiseach's reply——
I am calling Question No. 2.
On a point of order. Is it correct that this type of football match should go on? We are Connaught men too. Are we not entitled to ask supplementary questions, or is it that we are embarrassing a Fianna Fáil Government?
No. Supplementary questions have been asked. Deputy L'Estrange asked two.
We are entitled to ask questions.
That is a matter for the Chair. Question No. 2.