§ MR. T. J. FARRELL (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that great distress prevails in several portions of the Kenmare and Cahirciveen unions, and that, owing to the great failure of the potato crop and want of employment, the poorer class of people are on the verge of starvation; and whether any immediate steps will be taken to alleviate their suffering?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELANDIn the poorer districts of the Caherciveen and Kenmare Unions, there are, I believe, a considerable number of people who, owing to the failure of the potato crop, are in straitened circumstances. In both unions the restrictions on outdoor relief have been relaxed, and as the relieving officers have been cautioned as to their duties and responsibilities, I do not think there is danger of any person suffering 1206 from want of food. The Guardians of each Union have been offered a very liberal measure of financial assistance by Government towards the cost of relieving the poor, but up to the present they have declined to accept the offer. Should the Guardians reconsider their decision the offer of the Government will still hold good.