§ DR. ROBERT AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the great distress at present prevailing in Achill Island, county Mayo; is he aware that there were on outdoor relief, in the month of February 1897, 384 persons as compared with 72 in the corresponding month in 1890; and whether, in view of these facts, he will see that remunerative relief works are at once established in the island?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURRepresentations have been received relative to the existence of distress in Achill Island. The numbers on outdoor relief in the island in February last were 417 as compared with 46 in February 1896. The construction of a pier has been undertaken by the Congested Districts Board at Keel, and this work will no doubt afford employment to a number of persons in that district. I hope also that work will shortly be commenced at Achill Sound in connection with the proposed steamer service between the present railway terminus and Belmullet. It is not the intention of the Government to establish relief works.