asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state when he proposes to advance money to urban authorities for the relief of unemployment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral—Answers. - Urban Authorities and Unemployment Relief.
The amount of relief funds which can be made available to urban authorities must be calculated with reference to the extent of unemployment in the State as a whole and the time of distribution of the funds must be determined, partially at least, with reference to the periods when unemployment is most acute. In order to obtain full and reliable returns, some time had to be allowed to enable the rural unemployed to become conversant with the increased facilities now available for registration. The weekly returns have shown a continuous increase in registrations up to the present, but the Departments concerned are now preparing to determine allocations on the basis of current returns.
We understood when this money was voted for the purposes of relieving unemployment that it would be granted immediately to local authorities. Are we to understand now that the money is to be withheld until such time as unemployment is most rife?
Some money has been already allocated in every county.
Can the Minister say when money will be forthcoming for the relief of unemployment in urban areas? So far the money has been given only in the rural areas.
I imagine it should be available within the next week or two —I think so.