§ MR. D. KILBRIDE (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a copy of a resolution adopted recently by the Board of Guardians of the Kenmare Union, in which they direct his immediate attention to the great poverty prevailing amongst small farmers, artisans, and labourers within the area of the, union; and whether the suggestions of the guardians in connection with the opening of relief works and other remedial measures will receive his favourable consideration?
MR. J. MORLEYI am informed that in some of the poor and congested districts about Sneem, in the Kenmare Union; the partial failure of the potato crop may render it necessary for some of the smaller occupiers of land to seek relief, and should this be so, the Guardians will be authorised to extend outdoor relief to these classes. The Congested Districts Board are, I believe, expending money on works in this locality, which will meet the demand for employment at present.
MR. D. KILBRTDEasked, whether the Chief Secretary would use his influence with the Board of Works to secure a relaxation of their hard and fast rules, so that some beneficial improvements might be effected in this wet part of the country?
MR. J. MORLEYsaid, that question should be addressed to the Treasury, who, no doubt, knew their own rules in this matter best.