HC Deb 28 February 1895 vol 31 cc45-6
MR. J. GILHOOLY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a number of small farmers waited on the Bantry Board of Guardians, and stated that, in consequence of the failure of the potato crop, they were in a state of destitution; and that the Bantry Board of Guardians unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Government to open reproductive works in the Bantry Union; and, what steps, if any, he purposes taking to carry out the request of the Guardians?

MR. J. MORLEY

The facts are as stated in the question. The Local Government Board's Inspector has been directed to again visit this Union and make a further report on the condition and prospects of the poorer classes.

MR. M. AUSTIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, in view of the extreme distress existing among the agricultural labourers in the districts of Newcastle West and Rathkeale, he will consider favourably the resolutions passed by the Guardians with the object of providing employment, viz., the repairing of the old road from the, town of Abbey feale to John O'Donnell's house in Cahir Hayes, in the Union of Newcastle West, this being in the centre of a very distressed district, and the draining of the River Deel, Rathkeale, so as to relieve from flooding the 3,000 acres of land which are under water during the winter months?

MR. J. MORLEY

The Local Government Board's Inspector consulted with the Guardians of the Newcastle West Union on the 21st instant, as to the advisability of applying for authority to relax the restrictions on outdoor relief. The Guardians, however, considered this course undesirable and thought it better to leave to the relieving officer the duty of providing for the wants of the destitute poor. I understand that if the weather, which has shown an improvement, continues mild for a few days longer employment will be plentiful in this district. The Local Government Board, upon the information at present before them, do not consider it will be necessary to recommend the opening of relief works in the districts of Newcastle West or Rathkeale.