asked the Minister for Finance if he will state why the number of minor relief schemes in County Clare were reduced considerably during the year 1948-49, and also the reason why so many special improvements and rural improvements schemes have been delayed in initiation and execution; and if, in view of the number of unemployed in the county, he will consider the desirability of putting several of them into operation in every district of the county at a very early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Clare Schemes.
In common with all other counties, County Clare was allotted in 1948-49 its proportionate share of the moneys made available in the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote for the relief of unemployment.
Apart from delays occasioned by negotiations with landholders, the prompt disposal of applications under the rural improvements scheme is handicapped by a shortage of inspectors.
I am not aware of any exceptional unemployment in County Clare but, in any event, it has always been the practice to close down employment schemes in rural areas about the middle of March, so that they will not interfere with agricultural work or turf cutting.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say how many schemes were received and how many were either rejected or deferred?
I was not asked that question.