HC Deb 29 June 1891 vol 354 cc1728-9
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a copy of the resolution adopted on 23rd instant by the Swinford (County Mayo) Board of Guardians, in which they again press upon the Government the absolute necessity that exists for giving immediate employment to the people in Coolnaha, Aughamore, and Kilkelly Electoral Divisions, if poverty is to be met, and starvation to be averted; and what action he intends to take?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

A copy of the resolution referred to has been received. The Electoral Division of Kilkelly is served by the works in progress in two adjoining divisions, and, as a matter of fact, a considerable number of persons from Kilkelly are employed on these works. No necessity has arisen to open relief works in Coolnaha and Aughainore Divisions.

MR SEXTON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland upon what date Father Sweeney reported to Relieving Officer Boyle, Dungloe (County Donegal), that the families of Michael Rodgers, Rinamona, and Daniel Doogan, Rinamona, were in a starving condition; whether he is aware that of the eight children of Michael Rodgers the eldest is only 10 years old, and two are recovering from fever; that of the nine children of Daniel Doogan the eldest is but 11, and one is seriously ill; that Rodgers and Doogan are heavily in debt, have no stock, no credit, no work, and no means of procuring food; and whether the relieving officer has yet visited the families; and, if so, when, and with what result?

MR A. J. BALFOUR

The relieving officer has visited these families, and he reports that they were not in a starving condition, but had a supply of meal, flour, and bran.

MR SEXTON

My information is that the Report of Father Sweeney was made on the 6th of June, and that on the 18th these people had not been visited by the relieving officer. Is it usual to allow 12 days to elapse without taking notice of such a Report?

MR A. J. BALFOUR

I have no information. The hon. Gentleman had better put the question on the Paper.

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