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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 May 1949

Vol. 115 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Abbeyleix.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the considerable volume of unemployment in the Abbeyleix area; and, if so, whether it is proposed to start special employment schemes in this area in the immediate future for the purpose of relieving the unemployment.

I am not aware of any exceptional unemployment in the Abbeyleix area. In any event, employment schemes in rural areas are sanctioned only during the winter months for the employment of men in receipt of unemployment assistance, and the works are closed down at the end of March every year to avoid interference with tillage or turf cutting.

Is it not a fact that representations were made within the past few weeks in connection with this unemployment situation in Abbeyleix and that an assurance was given that a special employment scheme would be started in that area to relieve it?

The Deputy is quite right; if we had a total number of registered men in that area we would have given a scheme, but not at the moment. Three weeks ago, when the deputation came to us, we would have given one if they had told us the truth. They told us that 69 men were registered in that area, which is not a fact.

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