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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1933

Vol. 48 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improvement Work on Hackett Estate, Ballycumber.

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state the reason for the recent suspension of improvement work on the Hackett Estate, Ballycumber, County Offaly; the amount of money still available for such work and whether in view of the large number of able-bodied unemployed in the district he can now state when the work will be restarted.

The improvement work in connection with the roads and drains on the Hackett Estate is now being commenced and the erection of sod fences, suspended recently during the dry weather, will also be started again as soon as practicable. The amount still available for expenditure is about £1,100.

Is the Minister aware that since this work was restarted only 15 men have been taken on, and is he aware that in the selection of these men preference has been given in the matter of the employment to people owning farms as large as 30 acres in some instances and in view of the fact that there are in the area a large number of unemployed who are eligible neither for the unemployment insurance benefit nor for home assistance would the Minister reconsider the advisability of instructing whatever inspector is in charge of the works to give first preferences to men who have no other means of livelihood?

It is the practice usually on these estates to give the people coming in as smallholders work on the improvement of the estate. The reason that there are not more than 15 men, at the moment, is that the weather is too dry for such work and as soon as the weather is suitable more will be put on.

In view of the exceptional conditions obtaining in this area and other areas adjoining the estate, would the Minister not consider the advisability of instructing the inspectors to give first preference to people looking for employment who have no other means of livelihood?

We will do the best we can and take such factors into consideration.

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