asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the large number of persons, male and female, unemployed in the towns of Athlone, Longford, and Mullingar, who are not eligible to draw unemployment benefit, and whether there are any funds available under his control which could be utilised for the relief of distress, until trade is improved in the towns mentioned.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - UNEMPLOYMENT IN MIDLANDS.
SEAN O LAIDHIN
Thirty-one persons are registered as unemployed in the Exchanges at the places mentioned who are not in receipt of benefit. I have no particulars of other unemployed persons who do not register. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.