asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he proposes to compensate farmers in Birdhill, Pollock, County Tipperary, whose hay crops have been damaged or destroyed as a result of floods caused by works in connection with the Shannon scheme.

A right to compensation will arise where damage is caused by flooding to hay crops if the damage is proved to be due primarily to works in connection with the Shannon Power Development. Claims for damage have recently reached the Department from the Birdhill and Pollagh areas, and the question is under discussion between the engineer acting for the parties concerned and my staff.