HC Deb 04 June 1891 vol 353 cc1620-1
MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the small farmers and labourers in Glengarriff, County Cork, are in great distress owing to the failure of the potato crop and want of employment; whether they are receiving outdoor relief from the Bantry Board of Guardians; whether he is aware that the Bantry Board of Guardians have recommended the making of roads, but that only two are being made; whether he is aware that the distance from the nearest of them to the greater number of men in want of employment is eight miles; and whether other roads will be immediately constructed with a view to relieve the distress in Glengarriff?

DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)

also put a question upon the same subject.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Relief works have been established, and I am informed that they afford sufficient employment.

MR. GILHOOLY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a great number of men who are not employed?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have no information.

MR. GILHOOLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a great amount of distress prevails in the Schull Union; and, if so, whether he will provide employment for the people there with a view to alleviate it?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

There is, I believe, some distress in the Union, but there are relief works in operation.

MR. GILHOOLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the distressed condition of the people of Drinagh (in the Skibbereen Union); and whether he purposes opening public works to afford employment there?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The condition of this district has engaged the attention of the Government, but it has not been found necessary to institute relief works.