§ MR. M. AUSTINI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, if he has received resolutions from the Newcastle West and Rathkeale Boards of Guardians, and the Fairs and Markets Association of Newcastle West, as well as a memorial from the residents of Glin, County Limerick, directing attention to the great distress prevailing 1104 among the labourers and small farmers in the western parts of the county, and urging the opening of relief works to meet the present deplorable condition of the working classes in these districts; and what steps, having regard to the critical condition of the people, the Government are taking in the matter.
MR. J. MORLEYThe resolutions referred to have been received by the Local Government Board. There is no doubt that, owing to the exceptionally severe weather during the past few weeks, the poorer class, and especially those living in towns, have been reduced to great straits and have suffered much. The relieving officer of the Newcastle West Union has relieved provisionally those requiring assistance, and this officer may be relied upon to see that no persons suffer from actual want of food. The Local Government Board will instruct their inspector to attend the next meeting of the Guardians and consult with them as to the advisability of applying for authority to relax the restrictions on outdoor relief for a short period.