asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of persons proving unemployment in the electoral divisions of Bere Island, on November 1st, 1940.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment at Bere Island.
Figures showing the number of persons proving unemployment in the district electoral division of Bere Island on the date mentioned in the question are not available, nor is it now practicable to ascertain them. It has been found, however, that six persons resident in Bere Island were paid either unemployment assistance or unemployment insurance benefit in the calendar week in which 1st November, 1940, occurred.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary give the figures for the divisions to the nearest date to the 1st November?
I do not know about the two electoral divisions.
The 1st November would be a vital date because it would mark the termination of the Third Employment Period, which went on for several months.
It is not easy to give exact information about a period like that because no permanent records are kept.
I suggest that a simple inquiry at the labour exchange at Berehaven would get that information by return of post.
It might not be quite so simple to do that for the electoral division of Berehaven.
There are two electoral divisions.
My information is that there is only one electoral division, which comprises 57 islands.
Might I suggest that this is trifling with the question? The term Bere Island is well known and there are two electoral divisions. Seeing that no question in regard to two electoral divisions is involved, the Parliamentary Secretary ought to know that.
I would not know all the electoral divisions in West Cork. My information is that the electoral division comprises Bere Island and 56 other small islands.
Does anybody live on the other islands?
I could give information for December 9th, but if the Deputy considers it important I will inquire into the matter again.
I do not want to be unfair to the Parliamentary Secretary. but I think he ought not to have any difficulty about getting the information.
I do not think anyone wants to be unfair. I shall examine the question again.