asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether it is his intention to make available to local authorities, at an early date, any sums of money for the temporary relief of unemployment prior to Christmas, and, if so, when it is expected that local authorities will be informed of the amounts allotted to them for that purpose; further, whether in view of the very substantial sums provided by the local authorities for the temporary relief of unemployment in recent years, he will state if any grants made available in the current year will be given, without having attached to them a condition requiring the local authorities to supplement them out of rates or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Temporary Relief of Unemployment.
Grants of very considerable amounts have been allocated this year from the Employment Schemes Vote to local authorities for expenditure on roads, public health and housing development schemes. The greater portion of the expenditure under the grants is made to relate to the November-March period and an intensification of employment during the Christmas season is encouraged. Contributions from local sources towards the cost of schemes will continue to be sought in connection with the allocation to local authorities of grants from the Vote.
Is the Minister aware that the burden of these contributions on the local areas is very heavy indeed? Is he aware that the Cork Corporation has already increased its rates by 1/- in the £ because of these contributions towards schemes? Does not the Minister consider that that is a serious matter for the Cork Corporation? May I hope that he will give consideration to this question and bear it in mind?
I always have that matter in mind.