asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state: (a) whether the schemes of employment announced by the Government Information Bureau on 13th April, 1948, to be made available to those formerly engaged in turf production will be selected by the local authority concerned or by a Government Department; (b) whether the entire cost will be borne by the Government; (c) how long it is expected these schemes will be in progress each year; and (d) whether transport facilities will be provided where necessary, as was done for the turf workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment Schemes.
The schemes of employment referred to by the Deputy will be selected by the local authorities concerned. Seventy-five per cent. of the cost of works on county roads and on drainage will be borne by the State and it is expected that the schemes will be in progress from mid-May to mid-September. The intention is to locate the works in areas where displaced turf-workers reside, but should the provision of transport facilities be necessary in any instance, the local authority may provide such facilities.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if the expression "mid-May to mid-September" means each year?
If we are confronted with the same position next year, naturally the position will be reviewed and the question of providing further moneys will then be considered.
Are we to take it from the Parliamentary Secretary's reply that he is only considering counties that were producing turf for these schemes? We have in the County Dublin the problem where we had a number of people throughout the county working on turf dumps in the Park and elsewhere. A number of these people will be now unemployed and I should like to know if that particular area will be considered.
As far as I am aware, the present allocations have been made to 25 counties—to every county except the County Wexford.
Any for Dublin City?