asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will remove immediately all restrictions on the migration of workers from County Mayo, in view of the widespread unemployment existing there as a result of the cessation of the hand-won turf industry and the fact that no alternative work is available, or likely to become available, to absorb these men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Migration from County Mayo.
As the Deputy is aware, there is no restriction on the migration of workers from County Mayo to other parts of the State. The restriction on migration outside the State for employment applies to workers who are in employment here or for whom suitable employment is available, either immediately or within a reasonable period. This restriction applies generally, as well as to workers in County Mayo, and is subject to certain modifications in the case of migratory agricultural workers.
The grant of exemption from the restriction referred to will be considered, on representations being made to the local officers of my Department, in individual cases where work is not available or not likely to become available within a reasonable period.