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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Apr 1945

Vol. 96 No. 20

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workers Returning From Great Britain.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the likelihood of the return at an early date of large numbers of men and women from Great Britain, he will make a statement assuring these people of the willingness of the Government to facilitate their return home at the earliest possible moment; that work will be made available for them at rates of wages adequate to their needs; and that, in the interim period, other provisions will be made for their maintenance pending their absorption in the regular economic activities of the country; and, if so, if he will indicate the nature of the provisions.

So far as the regulations now in force in this country are concerned, Irish workers employed in Great Britain are free to return Home at any time. With regard to the remaining parts of the Deputy's question, the Government does not contemplate affording any preference in, or guarantee of, employment to workers returning from Great Britain. Workers returning from Great Britain who may be in need of employment will be afforded the same facilities in obtaining work as other unemployed workers. Neither is it contemplated that any special provision, by way of unemployment assistance, will be made available to workers returning from Great Britain which will not be available to unemployed workers generally.

Arising out of the general economic conditions here, apparently there will be no facilities afforded to encourage people to return to this country—in other words, they can stay away if they like?

There will be no facilities afforded to persons returning from Great Britain that will not also be available to persons still here.

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