asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the excavations caused by the drainage of large areas of the Galtee Mountains have resulted in the formation of deposits of sand and silt in the Rivers Tar, Thonoge, Milgrove and Garryclogher, which have caused severe flooding of farmhouses and farms and loss of live stock; and that deposits of silt from the tree-planted area of the Knockmealdown Mountains have caused similar damage in the Clogheen district of County Tipperary; and, if so, if he will state if he is prepared to take steps to have the silt and sand removed from the rivers affected.

I am not aware that the limited drainage work carried out in connection with forestry operations in the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains has resulted in the formation of deposits of sand and silt in the rivers mentioned and I do not propose to take any steps to have sand or silt removed from the rivers in question.

Is the Minister aware that, on the Thonoge River, there are two farm-houses inundated and six families affected? An invalid woman, the sister, of a tenant, pretty advanced in years, had to be taken upstairs from two feet of water. I can give the Minister the name of the party in question. There are six farms inundated in one area, five in another, and four in another as a result of that silt.

I do not agree that the flooding is caused by forestry operations. Forestry operations will tend to obviate any such difficulties as previously arose.

I am informed by a man who knows that, after ten years, the matter rectifies itself. In the meantime, the facts are as I have stated. The silt is there, undoubtedly. About 500 acres have been drained and the result of these excavations has brought the silt.

If the Deputy will give me a specific case, I shall have it examined.

Get the Board of Works to shift the silt.