asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a considerable sum has been raised locally in Kilkenny and Thomastown for relief of victims of the recent floodings; and if he will state whether he is prepared to recommend to the Government the payment of a grant-in-aid to supplement the moneys raised by voluntary subscriptions.

I have no specific information as to the relief moneys referred to in the first part of the Deputy's question.

In regard to the second part of the question, I am not prepared to make a recommendation to the Government as suggested.

asked the Minister for Finance if he will state whether he has been requested to receive a deputation, led by the Lord Bishop of Ossory, to discuss flooding problems in Kilkenny; whether he is willing to receive this deputation; and if he has already declined to receive the deputation, the grounds upon which he has so declined.

No such request has been received. The problem of flooding in Kilkenny has already been the subject of discussion with various deputations and the facts are fully on record.