§ MR. HORACE PLUNKETT (Dublin Co., S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a statement in The Freeman's Journal of the 3rd March, 1893, and other newspapers, to the effect that the Congested Districts Board are about to expend £9,520 on relief works in County Donegal; whether, as a matter of law, expenditure upon relief works, in the ordinary acceptance of the term, is within the powers of the Board; and whether he is aware that the works projected in County Donegal have reference only to permanent improvement of certain congested areas, although their execution may in some cases be timed so as to avert exceptional distress?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-TyneThe Congested Districts Board are about to make and repair some roads in the County of Donegal at an estimated expenditure of £9,520. These works are intended for the permanent improvement of the localities, and not for the purpose of relieving temporary and exceptional distress. The provision of immediate relief for destitute persons is not one of the duties entrusted to the Board by the Legislature.