asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that as a result of the enforcement of the Second Employment Period Order, 1948, many persons in South Kerry who are unable to obtain work are now debarred from receiving unemployment benefit; and, if so, whether, in view of the undue hardship caused to the persons concerned, he will ensure that relief schemes are put into operation at once to provide for the absorption of these unemployed persons, or, alternatively, revoke the Second Employment Period Order, 1948, in order that the unemployment benefits may be accorded to these persons who are at present in straitened circumstances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Employment Position in South Kerry.
Mr. Murphy
As the Deputy is aware, the Estimates for my Department had been prepared by my predecessor and were based on the assumption that employment period Orders would be made this year as usual. I am sure the Deputy is aware that concessions were, however, made by raising the valuation limit from £2 to £4 in both Orders and reducing the period affected by them. Government grants have been made available to county councils for the purpose of providing employment and it is open to these authorities to undertake schemes of employment.
I intend to re-examine the whole position in advance of next year's arrangements.
Is the Minister aware that few, if any, relief schemes have been carried out in Kerry, north or south, this year, despite the fact that people are in straitened circumstances as a result of a Government policy which Deputy Flynn rightly emphasises in his question?
Mr. Murphy
I can only refer the Deputy to the latter part of the answer to the question which states that Government grants have been made available to county councils for the purpose of providing employment. I would suggest that the Deputy should make the first inquiries with the local authority, and if there are further causes for complaint he should bring them to the notice of the Minister for Social Welfare afterwards.