asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the heavy loss suffered by farmers in the Macmore and adjacent districts of Wexford through flooding early in the year; and whether, pending effective drainage of this area, he will consider compensating farmers for the damage sustained.

I have no specific information in regard to the first part of the Deputy's question.

As regards the second part of the question, it is not the intention of the Government to consider compensation in such cases. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware of the arrangements made by the Minister for Agriculture for the issue of interest-free loans to farmers for the replacement, in part, of live stock lost as a result of inclement weather in the early part of the year.

Is the Minister not aware that, in the Macmore and other wet districts in County Wexford, many farmers are down and out, that the wet season in 1946 which continued into 1947 has finished them? If the Government will not find a way of meeting their situation, what is to become of them? Are they to be thrown on the scrap-heap, with their farms left derelict? If we can afford to relieve people in other countries, surely we can think of our own people. In many cases, these farmers have nothing left and yet nothing can be done for them.

There are interest-free loans available for them, if they apply.

Can the Minister say if interest-free loans will be made available to farmers who have lost their crops, due to flooding?

No. This applies to stock.