§ MR. T. J. FARRELL (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that a public meeting in connection with distress in Ireland was held in the Mansion House, Dublin, on the 2nd instant, presided over by the Lord Mayor, when a letter was received and read from the Rev. J. Casey, P.P., Valentia, county Kerry, stating that 50 families, consisting of some 300 persons, are in immediate want of relief in his parish; and whether any steps will be taken by the Government to meet the distress prevailing in this district?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have seen a newspaper report containing statements to the effect mentioned in the first paragraph. The matter was at once brought under the notice of the Local Government Board's inspector, who visited Valentia Island and ascertained from the relieving officer that every destitute person in the district who required assistance is being afforded relief. The inspector will call on the Rev. Mr. Casey with a view to obtaining the names of the persons alleged to be in need of relief. I may add that the guardians of this union have, so far, refused the offer made by the Government of financial aid towards the establishment of relief works for the necessitous poor, and that it is still open to the guardians to accept this offer.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)Is the right honourable Gentleman aware of the fact that the rates in this union are 19s. in the pound, and that arrears of £700 had accumulated at the time this appeal was made to the Local Government Board?
§ [No Reply.]