asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that there are men idle in Swords, Malahide, Donabate, Lusk, Naul, Rush, Skerries, Balbriggan, Ballyboughal, Finglas, Howth, Baldoyle, Coolock, Portmarnock, Santry, Cloughran, Oldtown and Garristown; and, if so, whether he will make a grant for a special employment scheme for these men, many of whom have large families.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Employment Schemes.
I am not aware of any exceptional unemployment in the areas referred to.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, employment schemes are intended mainly to provide employment for men who are applicants for unemployment assistance, and there has not recently been any significant increase in the number of men in this class in the areas referred to. I should add that, in any case, employment schemes are generally confined to the winter months when unemployment may be expected to be at its worst.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a number of people are unemployed?
Where?
In the areas I have mentioned.
I am not aware.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary going to tell me or the people who are unemployed in County Dublin that they will have to wait until the unemployment grants are given next Christmas before they can get any work? I suppose that is the position the Tánaiste is standing over also.
It is not the position. The position is that certain grants under the Local Authorities (Works) Act have been given to the county council and works are proceeding under that Act at the moment and the unemployment position there is not anything like as grave as it has been for many years.