asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Unemployment Assistance (Employment Period) Order, 1941, is the cause of serious hardship to certain persons with large families of dependent children in congested districts whose valuations exceed the £2 limit; and if he will consider the advisability of amending the order to make it more equitable by raising the £2 limit of the valuation in the cases of men in such districts who have more than the ordinary number of dependents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment Assistance (Employment Period) Order.
I am not aware that the Unemployment Assistance (Employment Period) Order, 1941, is the cause of serious hardship to the landholders mentioned in the question. If, however, any such person is unable to provide by his own industry or other lawful means the necessaries of life for himself or his dependents, it is open to him to apply for home assistance to the public assistance authority. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.