asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that unemployment is rapidly growing in the rural areas, particularly in the villages and small towns and, if so, whether he will state what steps the Government are taking, or propose to take, to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment in Rural Areas.
The figures of unemployment which I have obtained from the Department of Social Welfare do not indicate that the position this year is worse than the position on corresponding dates last year. The Government does not accept that the position last year was satisfactory and measures to improve it are being devised and will be announced from time to time.
Is the Minister not aware that in my own constituency in County Dublin there is abnormal unemployment this year?
Among agricultural workers?
Not entirely. Not alone among agricultural workers but among workers normally employed in certain classes of industry, also in the building trade and also in Local Authorities (Works) Act operations. In view of that fact does the Minister not now consider that exceptional steps are necessary to relieve that unemployment?
The information I have obtained from the Department of Social Welfare does not show that the number unemployed in rural areas this year is any greater than it was this time last year.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply I propose, Sir, to raise the question on the Adjournment.
I am sure that the Minister is aware that Deputy Dunne's Party and the previous Government are responsible for that state of affairs.
That is a most intelligent question.