asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great inconvenience caused to the unemployed of Granard and district who have to travel to Long-ford to claim unemployment benefit, and if he is now in a position to re-open a sub-office at Granard and so facilitate the workers in the district.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PAYMENT OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (GRANARD).
SEAN O LAIDHIN
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to a similar question by Deputy Shaw on the 25th March, 1925. Last month the number of benefit claims current in the district was only 21. While a final decision has not yet been reached, I am doubtful whether the cost of providing a Branch Office to deal with such a small number would be justified.
Does the Minister think it right that these people should have to walk ten miles, and will he look into the matter with a view to re-establishing the sub-office?
I am very doubtful whether the establishment of a branch office for such a small number of people would be justified.
Is the Minister aware that there are more people unemployed than the number he mentioned?
I am speaking of last month.
I understand that the number is 175.
Twenty-one is my figure.
Twenty-one are eligible but a good many are not eligible.
I have stated that the number of claims current is 21.