asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the distress existing at Passage West, County Cork, owing to the unemployment prevalent in the town for a number of years, and whether he will indicate what steps, if any, he proposes to take for the absorption of the unemployed people concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Passage West.
The Minister is aware of the position in relation to unemployment in Passage West. In the allocation of money from the Employment Schemes Vote, due consideration is given to this position and an appropriate grant is made available for the area having regard to the necessities of other districts. The remedy for the actual conditions existing in this area is to be found in the establishment of industry therein. The initiation of such an industry is primarily a matter for local or private enterprise. The Government is prepared to give every help within the limits of its powers and sympathetic consideration to any constructive proposals which may be submitted.