asked the Minister for Lands if he will state where the 49 industrial centres existing in the Gaeltacht on 1st December last were located; the class of work carried on at these centres, and the number and class of persons then employed; and if he will indicate the centres which have not since been closed; and if he will state if it is proposed to continue to work these.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gaeltacht Industrial Centres.
There were on December 1st, 1934, 43 industrial centres in the Gaeltacht under the control of the Department. Fourteen of these were in Donegal, 12 in Galway, eight in Mayo, four in Kerry, three in Cork and one each in Cavan and Sligo.
The work on which these centres were engaged was as follows:—On hand and machine knitting: nine in Donegal, 11 in Galway, seven in Mayo, three in Kerry, three in Cork and one in Cavan. On weaving: four in Donegal, one each in Galway, Mayo and Kerry. On lace and embroidery: one each in Donegal and Sligo.
The total number of persons employed at these centres on December 1st, 1934, was 329, of whom 306 were females and 23 males.
At present the Department has 20 hand and machine-knitting centres operating, six of these being in Donegal, seven in Galway and seven in Mayo. In the weaving industry the work is being directed from one centre in Donegal. In lace and embroidery a centre each in Donegal and Sligo is operating, making a total of 23 centres now in operation.
If the present demand for the goods being produced at these centres is maintained, the question of closing is not likely to arise.
Do I understand that out of 43 industrial centres existing on 1st December last 20 have since been closed?
Yes, that is correct.
I did not quite catch the Parliamentary Secretary's remarks when he gave the particular lines in which these 20 were operating.
If the Deputy will look carefully into my reply he will be able to ascertain the information he requires.