asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that unemployed workers in County Wicklow are compelled under forfeit of their unemployment benefit to accept rotational employment at a distance of four miles from their homes; and, if so, whether, in view of the inability of these men, in present circumstances, to provide themselves with bicycles and the severity on footwear which is involved by their having to walk some 40 miles each week, he is prepared to take any remedial action.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Unemployed.
On the 10th January last, 11 men refused rotational employment on a new road at the Silver Strand, County Wicklow, which was situated 3½ to 3¾ miles from their homes. In determining whether the employment was suitable the full circumstances of each man were considered, regard being had to such matters as age, physique, distance and weather conditions. In three cases the employment, having regard to the men's ages, was determined to be not suitable for them and payment of unemployment assistance was continued. In the remaining eight cases the employment was determined to be suitable and unemployment assistance was refused. Three have appealed to the Court of Referees against these decisions. I understand that the eight men concerned later took the work offered commencing on the 24th January, 1944. It will be appreciated that the suitability of employment must be examined in the light of all the circumstances of the individual and that employment that is suitable for one man might not be suitable for another.
Is it the policy of the Department, where other work is available in an urban area, to compel unemployed men to travel long distances?
It is not the policy of the Department to send men long distances if the work can be obtained nearer. In this particular instance the men accepted the employment.
There was no alternative. The urban council placed schemes for the urban area before the Department of Local Government. The Department refused to give them a grant, but made one available for the county council.
That is not so. Why did the Deputy not include that in his question?
I intend to raise the matter on the Estimate.