asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that large quantities of turf have been rendered useless in the Nire and neighbouring districts in County Waterford through not being marketed expeditiously, and if he will consider the question of compensating the owners of this turf for the losses they have sustained in view of the fact that the people in these localities feel that they were induced to cut extra turf in order to promote Government policy.

I am informed that the turf to which the Deputy refers was cut late in the season and that consequently the producers were unable to save it. I am unable to accept the suggestion that the circumstances warrant the payment of compensation from public funds.