asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has had reports from County Waterford of the losses suffered by farmers arising from the severe weather; and if so, whether he will give details of such losses.

Any information so far received in regard to losses of sheep and cattle resulting from the recent severe weather is of a very general nature. Instructors in agriculture are being asked to give as complete information as possible in this connection when furnishing their reports on agricultural conditions to my Department for the month of March.

Is it the intention of the Department of Agriculture to formulate a scheme of compensation, particularly for people who have suffered the loss of sheep in the mountainous areas?

It is not.