asked the Taoiseach whether he is aware that there are no development works scheduled for Valentia Island at the moment and if, in view of the unemployment position in that area, he will arrange whereby the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government will co-ordinate the services of the different Departments with a view to assisting the people of Valentia.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schemes for Valentia.
In actual fact, there are a number of development works scheduled for Valentia Island. The Office of Public Works have plans and specifications ready for the improvement of landing facilities at Knightstown, Valentia Island, at an estimated cost of £3,200, towards which a State grant of 75 per cent. of the cost has been sanctioned on condition that the Kerry County Council will contribute the balance. Grants from the Vote for employment and emergency schemes will, as usual, be made available to give employment during the forthcoming winter months to men on the island in receipt of unemployment assistance, and approval has been given for a number of schemes under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949, for which grants have already been made available from the Vote for Local Government. In addition, a number of applications for grants under the land rehabilitation project have been approved.
I understand that the volume of unemployment at Valentia Island is slightly less than it was at this time last year.
As regards the concluding portion of the Deputy's question, the position, as the Taoiseach indicated to the Dáil on the 21st of last month, is that the Government have assigned to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government the duties relating to the administration of the permanent organisation to direct and co-ordinate efforts towards the economic and social development of the Gaeltacht and congested areas. As Valentia Island is in the areas mentioned, it will come within the sphere of the duties of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that workers from Valentia Island who applied for employment some time ago on the Bord na Móna schemes on the mainland were not given their due recognition simply because of the fact that the transit facilities did not fit in with the hours of work specified, and in that way hardship was created for the people on the island? Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate that during the recess he will visit those areas, including Valentia Island, with a view to satisfying himself as to the requirements of the people there? Further, will he visit the whole Gaeltacht districts of South Kerry, including Ballinskelligs and all the other Irish-speaking districts, with a view to consultation with the people in the areas as to the schemes for improvement that could be put forward to the Government?
Has the Parliamentary Secretary already arranged to visit the areas in question?
Mr. Lynch
With regard to the first part of Deputy Flynn's supplementary question, I have no knowledge of the difficulty of providing transport to work for the residents of Valentia Island but it is a matter which can be looked into. With regard to the second part of his question and the supplementary question put by Deputy Palmer, I have arranged to visit Kerry during the next week and during the subsequent weeks to visit other Gaeltacht and congested areas. I hope to get the assistance of all Deputies representing those areas in putting before me any problems that exist or suggestions that might help towards the economic development of those areas and I hope to make Deputies aware in advance of the approximate time at least of my proposed visits.
Is it the intention of the Parliamentary Secretary to visit North Mayo?
This question has reference only to Valentia Island, as far as I can see.
Mr. Lynch
If I may answer, a Chinn Chomhairle. I have indicated that I propose to visit not only Kerry but all Gaeltacht and congested areas and I think North Mayo can be so regarded.
Has the Parliamentary Secretary made arrangements for the provision of a helicopter?
Would the Parliamentary Secretary try to give a week's notice in advance to Deputies when he is coming into their areas?
Mr. Lynch
I will try to do that.