asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that 20 persons emigrated from Tullamore in the first week of March, 1950, because no local employment was available; and if he will state what steps it is proposed to take with a view to preventing further emigration from the town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tullamore Unemployment.
I am not aware that the position is as indicated in the first part of the Deputy's question. I understand that there is employment available at Boora Bog, a few miles from Tullamore.
I fully accept that there is need in Tullamore, as in other provincial towns, for further industrial development, and the Industrial Development Authority will be glad to co-operate fully with local interests in examining and advising on the merits of any proposals that may be put forward for overcoming the deficiency.
In the event of the Minister being supplied with a list of the names and addresses of the 20 persons who have emigrated, and at least ten others since, will he agree to examine this question in view of the fact that most of these people who have emigrated from Tullamore would not be persons who could work on the local turf scheme at Boora as some of them were clerical workers? Will the Minister undertake to examine this matter in view of the fact that there is a continuous stream of emigration from Tullamore to-day, just as we had during the Fianna Fáil Administration?
I would be glad to get from the Deputy additional information in regard to this matter. I may say, however, that there are fewer unemployed—substantially fewer—in that area now than for many years past.
Is that due to the emigration?
No.
I cannot see any more work in the town.