§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received reports from Cromane, Inch, and Annascaul, in Kerry, regarding the failure of the potato crop; whether he intends to take any, and, if so, what steps in the near future to give those people employment during the coming winter; whether he has received proposals for the building of a road and the extension of a pier at Cromane; and, if so, when it is proposed to proceed with those works.
MR. BRYCEI have received reports which show that there has been a partial failure of the potato crop in the district of Cromane. Inquiries are at present being made into the circumstances of the other districts mentioned in the Question. The subject has received and will continue to receive the most careful attention of the Government, but until I have received further reports I am not in a position to say whether exceptional steps may be necessary for the relief of any distress which may arise. I have received resolutions passed at a public meeting in favour of certain works in the locality, and have referred them to the Congested Districts Board for their consideration.
§ MR. DILLONasked whether before the end of the session the Chief Secretary would be in a position to make any general statement as to the result of any information the Irish Government may have ascertained concerning the general 628 failure of the potato crop throughout Ireland.
MR. BRYCEsaid there was no evidence of a general failure of the potato. The failure appeared to be confined to certain parts of the country, which was of itself, of course, a very deplorable thing. He did not know at what time the session would come to an end, but it would be his desire to give any information in his possession at the earliest possible moment.
§ MR. DILLONintimated that he would put down a Question on the subject.