asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what minor relief schemes or unemployment relief schemes have been sanctioned for the Clones electoral area in County Monaghan for execution this year, and whether in view of the acute unemployment in Clones further proposals will be favourably considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Relief Schemes.
The relief schemes sanctioned for execution during the current winter in the Clones area are as follows—(a) Clones Rural District electoral division: Road improvement scheme administered by the Monaghan County Council; allocation, including local contribution, £264; the work is situated in the townlands of Coraghy and Leonard's Island. (b) Clones Urban District—Two schemes, viz.; (1) laying footpath in O'Neill Park and Abbey Street; (2) excavating, filling and levelling space at rere of High School and fronting O'Neill Park housing scheme. Total allocation, £200. As these sums represent allocations from the employment fund proportionate to the unemployment position in the areas referred to, it is not intended to make any further provision in the current financial year.
If facts are brought to the Minister's attention to show that the unemployment situation in Clones is particularly acute owing to trade depression in the town, arising from the peculiar geographical position of the Border there, will he consider further any special applications for relief works in the area?
That particular circumstances has already been taken into consideration in fixing this grant.
What I should like to know is, if there is any use in submitting further schemes to the Minister. There would be no use in raising the hearts of the people and submitting schemes unless the Minister has some funds out of which he might undertake them if a special case were made. If a special case be made in regard to particular schemes for relief of unemployment in the district, is it possible that the Minister will favourably consider it?
I am advised that, in fact, no further funds are available for allocation.
But there would be no harm in trying?
I should not deter the Deputy from trying.