asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of persons who received unemployment benefit in each of the towns of Wexford, New Ross, and Enniscorthy during the last benefit year; also the number who made application in the same areas during the current benefit year with the number whose claims were allowed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIMS IN CO. WEXFORD.
The number of claims on which benefit was allowed in the fourth benefit year in Wexford, New Ross and Enniscorthy are 1,759, 359 and 679 respectively, and the number of claims for special benefit under Section 3 of the Unemployment Insurance (No. 2) Act, 1924, which were allowed are:—57, 8, and 49 respectively. In the fifth benefit year, which commenced on the 26th March last, the numbers of claims made in those towns respectively up to the 4th of May are:—1,235, 297 and 486, and of these the numbers allowed are:—649, 197, and 267 respectively, the remainder being either disallowed or awaiting decision.
In view of these figures is the Minister satisfied that the policy as expounded by him this day week was justified so far as Wexford is concerned?
The figures I have just given with regard to Wexford, New Ross, and Enniscorthy reveal a position for those three towns absolutely in proportion to the figures I quoted for the entire country a week ago. That is to say, proportions of about 52 per cent. in receipt of benefit are being kept in these three towns. As the figures show that these three towns are in accordance with the figures for the whole country, I do not see any reason why a change should be made.
Has the Minister received a resolution from the Council of the Unemployed pointing out the seriousness of the situation?
Yes, I have received a resolution from Wexford. I am bringing the question of possible relief work before the departments who have relief work to give.