asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he has yet received the report of the Department Inspector deputed to inquire into the local complaints with reference to the administration of the unemployment grant in Mornington, County Meath, and, if so, whether he proposes to take steps to remedy the existing local grievances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Administration of Unemployment Grant.
The report referred to has been received and discloses that no reasonable cause for complaint exists as to the manner in which this small scheme of relief was administered.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, may I state that is not the information that I obtained on the spot? I should like to ask the Minister if he is aware of the fact that there is a definite charge against the foreman; is he aware that it looks as if this unemployed grant was used in giving employment only to relatives or mainly to relatives of the foreman in preference to anybody else; is the Minister aware that great indignation exists in the district owing to that fact; is he further aware that the foreman in charge of the grant is a conservator of fisheries and will the Minister say whether that debars him from taking up such a position?
Dr. Ryan
I do not know whether it is true or not that the foreman is a conservator of fisheries but if that were so it would not debar him from looking after relief work. It would debar him from being employed under the Fishery Acts. A memorial was sent to me by nine people and of these nine people I found on investigation that four of them were living outside the district; one of them was a pensioner; one was sorry he signed the memorial at all and, in the case of two others, either their fathers or brothers had got work under the scheme. As far as I can find out, there is only one man out of the nine who was able to stand up to the charge.
More intimidation.
I have the following facts presented to me: One brother of the foreman, employed by the British and Irish Steamship Company; another relative, living three miles away from the mouth of the Boyne—in Laytown; another brother who works for the foreman on land work and as carter; a brother-in-law who is employed by the Government as a helper on Drogheda Quay—all these have been employed on the relief work. Yet objection is brought against four of the memorial signatories because they live in Donnycarney.
Dr. Ryan
I am not in a position to deny what the Deputy has stated. I would be glad if he would send me that information for further investigation; in any case, it is too late now, as the relief grant has been finished.
I am not satisfied with that reply, and I now give notice to raise the matter on the adjournment.