asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a number of road and other constructive schemes undertaken by the Office of Public Works last winter were not completed when the closing down Order was issued in March, and that portion of the grants allowed for those schemes was unexpended on date of the closing Order; and, if so, if he will state if those works will be completed under the 1943-44 schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Uncompleted Schemes.
It is assumed that the works referred to are minor employment schemes undertaken by the Special Employment Schemes Office. These schemes are intended primarily to provide work for unemployment assistance recipients in rural areas during the winter months when unemployment is at its maximum, and in recent years, if uncompleted, have been closed down in March so that labour may be released for farming operations and turf cutting.
Any 1942-43 scheme which was closed down before the sanctioned grant was fully expended will be considered again in connection with the 1943-44 programme, in competition with any other proposals on hands and in the light of the unemployment position in the electoral divisions concerned.
In the case of schemes considered essential in the interests of turf production, which were closed down in March last owing to a shortage of labour, the unexpended balances of the grants have been allowed to stand for the present so that the works may be completed when sufficient labour becomes available.